Pilot Aborts Landing to Avoid Collision with Another Jet on Runway in Chicago

Chicago, US: A major aviation disaster was narrowly avoided when a Southwest Airlines pilot aborted a landing at the last moment to prevent a potential collision with another aircraft on the runway at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a private jet entered the runway without authorization, leading to the close call.

The incident occurred around 8:50 AM local time and is now under investigation by both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), according to American media reports.

Near-Miss Captured on Video

Video footage of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows Southwest Flight 2504 making its final approach when a white private jet suddenly appears on the runway. At the last moment, the Southwest pilot aborted the landing, pulled up, and accelerated back into the sky to avoid a collision.

The aircraft was only about 50 feet from touching down when the pilot executed the go-around maneuver. According to Southwest Airlines, the flight later landed safely at Chicago Midway International Airport after the crew successfully avoided the potential disaster.

Air Traffic Control Warnings Ignored

Reports indicate that the near collision was caused by miscommunication between the private jet’s pilot and air traffic control. The pilot incorrectly repeated information from the controller, leading to the jet moving onto the runway. Midway air traffic control issued at least nine warnings instructing the private jet to hold its position and stay away from Runway 31. However, the pilot seemingly ignored these repeated instructions.

Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows that the Southwest Airlines plane was arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, while the private jet, a Bombardier Challenger 350, was scheduled to depart for Knoxville, Tennessee.

Aviation Safety Concerns on the Rise

This close call follows a series of recent aviation incidents, including a midair collision last month between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet, which resulted in the tragic loss of 67 lives. The incident raises further concerns about air traffic safety and communication protocols at busy airports.