Alaska Airlines and FedEx Plane Nearly Collide at Newark Airport

Why this matters: This near-collision raises concerns about air traffic control procedures and runway safety, especially in airports with intersecting runways. It emphasizes the need for continuous review and improvement of safety protocols to prevent potential disasters.

The incident occurred around 8:17 p.m. on Tuesday when the Alaska Airlines flight arrived from Portland, Oregon, and the FedEx plane arrived from Memphis, Tennessee. According to FlightRadar24 data, air traffic control instructed the Alaska plane to go around when it was just 150 feet in the air. This decision was made as the FedEx plane continued its landing on the intersecting runway.

The FAA considers go-arounds a routine safety procedure and has launched an investigation into the event. Both Alaska Airlines and FedEx have released statements confirming their cooperation with the investigation.

This event occurred two weeks after a separate incident at the same airport, where a Singapore Airlines plane clipped its wing with the tail of a parked Spirit Airlines plane. While seemingly unrelated, these incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns and the need for vigilance at Newark Liberty International Airport.

How to Prepare:

While passengers cannot directly influence air traffic control or runway management, staying informed about potential delays and safety procedures can help ease travel anxieties. Travelers can also utilize flight tracking apps to monitor their flight's progress and any reported incidents at the arrival or departure airport.

Who This Affects Most:

This incident primarily affects passengers flying into and out of Newark Liberty International Airport, as it may lead to increased scrutiny of air traffic control procedures and potential delays. Airline personnel and air traffic controllers are also directly affected, as they navigate the pressures of maintaining safety in complex operational environments.

A go-around is a routine safety procedure where an aircraft aborts its landing and climbs back to a safe altitude to attempt another landing.

The near-collision was caused by the simultaneous landing attempts on intersecting runways, requiring precise timing from air traffic control.

Newark Airport follows FAA safety regulations, and incidents like this are investigated to improve safety protocols.

What are your thoughts on air travel safety? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

Do you think technology can help prevent these types of incidents? Let us know!