What's Happening?
Federal aviation officials are investigating a close call at Newark Liberty International Airport involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 777. The incident occurred when the Alaska Airlines flight, arriving from Portland, Oregon, was
instructed by air traffic control to perform a 'go around' due to the FedEx flight from Memphis, Tennessee, being cleared for a final approach on an intersecting runway. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are both involved in the investigation. Alaska Airlines confirmed that their pilots, trained for such maneuvers, executed the go around safely, with 171 passengers and six crew members on board. FedEx reported that their crew followed air traffic control instructions and landed without incident.
Why It's Important?
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about air traffic safety at busy airports, particularly those with intersecting runways like Newark. The investigation by the NTSB and FAA highlights the critical need for robust air traffic control systems and pilot training to prevent potential collisions. Such close calls can have significant implications for airline safety protocols and may lead to changes in air traffic management practices. The safety of passengers and crew is paramount, and incidents like this can influence public confidence in air travel safety, potentially affecting airline operations and regulatory policies.
