Close Call at Charlotte: American Airlines Jet Narrowly Avoids Collision with Truck

In a dramatic incident at Charlotte’s airport on Wednesday, an American Airlines pilot was forced to abruptly hit the brakes to narrowly avoid a collision with a truck crossing the runway. This tense moment was captured in audio from the flight.

Flight 1197 was in motion, preparing for takeoff at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, when a black and white truck unexpectedly sped across its path, according to reports obtained by various news outlets.

“They just went right in front of us and we nearly hit them,” the pilot reported to a ramp controller, as cited by CBS News. “I had to – I had to slam on the brakes.”

This close call occurred just a month after a tragic accident at LaGuardia Airport, where an Air Canada aircraft collided with an emergency vehicle during landing on March 22. The crash resulted in the deaths of the pilot and first officer, who made desperate attempts to avert the disaster.

Many passengers were injured in the incident, prompting a federal investigation into the first fatal crash at LaGuardia in over 30 years.

The American Airlines pilot involved in Wednesday’s incident noted that his taxi light was on and the plane had begun moving when the near-miss occurred.

“They need to be – someone’s gotta be notified right away,” the pilot also said, according to ABC News. “That was really bad.”

The DC-bound flight still reportedly departed on time.

The airport said officials were aware of the unnerving situation involving a CLT ground vehicle and that it was under investigation, according to CBS News.

“Safety and security are top priorities at CLT,” the spokesperson said.

American Airlines also commended its crew for its quick-thinking actions.

“We’re proud of the professionalism of our crew and the action they took when a ground vehicle not affiliated with American Airlines entered the aircraft’s path on a taxiway,” the airline said, per CBS News.

The Post has sought comment from the airport, American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration.