A near-catastrophic incident unfolded at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Friday, prompting a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation. A Delta Airlines flight, identified as Flight 471, narrowly averted a collision with a charter plane carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team. The incident occurred as the Delta flight was initiating its takeoff roll. An air traffic controller, recognizing the imminent danger, issued an urgent command to the charter plane to “Stop, stop, stop!” preventing a potentially disastrous collision. The close call was captured on video by a plane spotter, Kevin Ray, and subsequently shared on YouTube. The footage vividly depicts the Delta flight lifting off just as the Gonzaga charter plane crosses the runway, highlighting the precariousness of the situation. The near miss underscores the critical role of air traffic controllers in maintaining aviation safety and preventing accidents. The controller’s rapid response and decisive action undoubtedly averted a tragedy, preventing what could have been a devastating collision involving two aircraft.
The severity of the potential collision is amplified by the speed at which commercial aircraft operate during takeoff. Typically reaching speeds between 150 and 180 miles per hour, depending on factors such as aircraft weight and prevailing conditions, a collision at such velocities would have resulted in catastrophic consequences. The plane spotter, a seasoned observer of air traffic, remarked on the rarity of hearing such an urgent command from an air traffic controller, underscoring the gravity of the near miss. His statement, “In the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never heard an ATC controller tell a plane to ‘Stop, stop, stop,’” emphasizes the exceptional nature of the event and the controller’s decisive intervention.
The Gonzaga men’s basketball team, ranked 19th nationally, had arrived at LAX from Spokane, Washington, in preparation for their game against the 15th-ranked UCLA Bruins. The team’s charter flight unknowingly became part of the near collision incident, adding another layer of concern to the event. Despite the unsettling experience, the Gonzaga Bulldogs proceeded with their scheduled game against UCLA, which took place on Saturday. In a tightly contested matchup, the Bruins edged out the Bulldogs with a final score of 65-62. UCLA’s star guard, Eric Dailey Jr., led the scoring for his team with 18 points, while Gonzaga’s Graham Ike delivered a strong performance with 24 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. The game concluded with a tense final sequence. Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard had an opportunity to tie the game with a free throw in the closing seconds but was unable to convert, allowing UCLA to maintain their narrow lead and secure the victory.
Following the game against UCLA, the Gonzaga Bulldogs will remain in California to face the Pepperdine Waves on Monday night before returning to Washington in the new year. The team’s near collision experience at LAX adds an unexpected and concerning element to their trip, highlighting the inherent risks associated with air travel and the importance of robust safety protocols. The FAA’s investigation into the incident will aim to determine the factors that contributed to the near miss and identify any necessary corrective measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The investigation will likely review air traffic control communications, radar data, and other relevant information to reconstruct the events leading up to the near collision. The findings of the investigation will be crucial in enhancing aviation safety protocols and minimizing the risks of future incidents.
The close call at LAX serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant air traffic control procedures and the constant need for safety improvements in the aviation industry. The quick thinking and decisive action of the air traffic controller averted a potentially catastrophic outcome, underscoring the critical role these professionals play in ensuring the safety of air travel. While the Gonzaga men’s basketball team proceeded with their scheduled game, the near collision undoubtedly added an element of anxiety to their trip. The incident highlights the unforeseen challenges that can arise during air travel, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive safety measures and preparedness.
The FAA’s investigation will provide valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the near miss and will contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety. The incident underscores the need for continuous improvement and vigilance within the aviation industry to minimize risks and ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. The investigation’s findings will be closely monitored by aviation authorities and stakeholders, who will use the information to refine procedures and implement necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The close call serves as a valuable learning opportunity, emphasizing the importance of ongoing safety enhancements and the critical role of air traffic control in maintaining the safety and integrity of air travel operations.
