FAA air traffic control staffing under scrutiny after deadly LaGuardia runway crash
In a tragic incident at LaGuardia Airport, a collision on the runway resulted in the loss of two pilots’ lives and left numerous passengers injured. The accident occurred when an Air Canada Express jet landed on Runway 4 and collided with a fire truck belonging to the Port Authority just before midnight. Audio from air traffic control reveals a controller admitting, “I messed up,” which has led to a swift investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) focused on human error, operational procedures, and runway safety standards.
Earlier this week, a close call between two passenger jets occurred during their approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. This incident triggered collision warnings onboard and has led to a federal investigation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that Republic Airways Flight 4464, after veering off its intended approach path, initiated a go-around maneuver. This action was necessary because the aircraft came dangerously close to Air Canada Express Flight 8554, which was already cleared for landing on an adjacent runway.
Both flight crews acted promptly in response to the onboard alerts, with the incident occurring at approximately 2:35 p.m., according to FAA records.
The FAA has stated that these details are preliminary, and the situation is still under investigation.
An aerial photograph captures the expanse of John F. Kennedy International Airport, including the area near Terminal 7 in New York City. (Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Republic Airways said the flight, operating as American Airlines Flight 4464, aborted its initial landing attempt and performed a go-around during its approach into JFK.
“During their approach into JFK, the crew…received a resolution advisory,” the airline said. “They complied with the advisory and, consistent with our training and procedures, executed a go-around to land without further incident.”
Air Canada said its flight from Toronto received a traffic warning and direction from air traffic control during its approach into JFK.
An Air Canada Express jet is seen on the runway as federal officials investigate a near miss involving one of the airline’s flights at JFK Airport. (Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“The crew took immediate action,” the airline said. “Safety is our top priority and our crews are well-trained to deal with many operational situations such as this.”
The airline added that the flight landed safely.
A go-around is a standard safety maneuver in which pilots abort a landing attempt and climb back into the air to reposition for another approach.
Southwest Airlines planes sit on the tarmac as federal officials investigate a recent near miss involving two of the carrier’s flights. (iStock)
The incident is the latest in a string of close calls involving commercial aircraft that have drawn scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers.
Over the weekend, the FAA said it was investigating a near miss involving Southwest Airlines flights after air traffic control directed two jets onto a potential collision course.
According to the FAA, the incident happened at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday as Southwest Flight 507 was approaching the airport and initiated a go-around.
The pilot then “received air traffic control instructions that put the flight in the path of another aircraft” that was departing from a parallel runway. The departing aircraft was identified as Southwest Flight 1152.
Both flight crews responded to onboard traffic alerts, the FAA said, helping the planes avoid a potential midair conflict.
No injuries were reported in either incident.
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