Safety investigators advocate for increased technology to prevent near misses on runways

Near Collision Between Two Jets in Austin Due to Air Traffic Controller Error

WASHINGTON — A recent report from the National Transportation Safety Board revealed a harrowing near collision between two jets on a foggy runway in Austin, Texas, last year. The incident, caused by an air traffic controller’s mistake, has raised concerns about runway safety across the country.

The incident took place on a foggy morning at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Feb. 4, 2023. An air traffic controller mistakenly cleared both a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines jet for runway use simultaneously. As a result, the two planes came within 150 to 170 feet of each other, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic collision.

Investigators attributed the near miss to the controller’s inability to accurately track the location of the Southwest jet on the taxiway. The FedEx crew’s quick thinking and last-minute maneuver prevented a disaster, prompting praise from NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.

While fatigue was ruled out as a factor in the incident, investigators criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for not mandating the use of technology to detect aircraft positions on the ground. The FAA has since announced plans to implement a surface detection system at select airports, including Austin, by the end of 2025.

Despite these efforts, the NTSB is urging faster deployment of technology to prevent runway incursions, citing a concerning rise in such incidents in recent years. With at least seven close calls already in 2024, the NTSB warns of the potential for tragedy if safety measures are not swiftly implemented.

As the investigation continues, the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to prioritize runway safety and prevent future near misses like the one in Austin.