Safety investigators want more technology to prevent close calls on runways
What specific technology did the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommend to prevent close calls on runways?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended the use of technology to help avoid catastrophic collisions on runways. This technology includes adapting systems to track ground vehicles so that it could warn pilots and air traffic controllers if a plane is not aimed at the correct runway. Additionally, the NTSB suggested that all major airports should be equipped with a system that tracks the movement of aircraft, determines their proximity to each other, and provides air traffic controllers with visual and aural cues of their surface movements.
What actions did the FedEx plane's crew take to avoid a collision on the foggy runway?
The FedEx plane's crew took evasive action to avoid a collision on the foggy runway by aborting their landing at the last moment. The first officer saw the left position light and silhouette of the Southwest plane on the runway and quickly soared back into the air while the Southwest jet proceeded with its takeoff. At their closest, the two planes were 150 to 170 feet apart. The quick and decisive actions of the FedEx crew helped prevent a catastrophic incident.
How did the air traffic controller's mistake at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport almost lead to a collision between two aircraft?
The air traffic controller's mistake at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport almost led to a collision between two aircraft due to incorrect assumptions, lack of visibility, and pilot miscommunication1. On the morning of February 4, 2023, the airport was covered with dense fog, limiting visibility for air traffic controllers and flight crews2. The air traffic control tower did not have surface detection equipment to aid controllers in monitoring traffic on the taxiway and runway2.
The air traffic controller, Damian Campbell, cleared both the FedEx Boeing 767 and Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 to use the same runway. He incorrectly assumed that the Southwest aircraft was already at the hold short line and ready to take off, which was not the case. The controller experienced an "inaccurate mental model" of the Southwest aircraft's location and a "lack of situational awareness," and failed to verify the jet's position with its pilots.
Additionally, the Southwest pilots, who were aware that the FedEx aircraft was on short final approach, contributed to the incident by failing to notify the controller that they would need more time on the runway to do the engine run-up prior to takeoff.
The potential disaster was avoided at the last moment when the FedEx pilots glimpsed the silhouette of the Southwest jet and climbed out of harm's way. The two planes came within 150 to 170 feet of each other at their closest point. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued several recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future, including installing ground-surveillance technology at all major airports and requiring additional training for air traffic controllers on low-visibility operations.