The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into a harrowing incident at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) involving a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team. The aircraft, operated by Key Lime Air, was ordered to abruptly stop by air traffic controllers to avoid crossing a runway where another plane was taking off, narrowly averting a potentially catastrophic collision.
The heart-stopping close call unfolded on Friday as the Gonzaga Bulldogs were arriving in Los Angeles for their highly anticipated matchup against the UCLA Bruins on Saturday. According to the FAA, Key Lime Air Flight 563, an Embraer E135 jet, was instructed to hold short of the active runway due to an outbound Delta flight.
Air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time.
FAA statement
Jet Proceeds Despite Hold Order
However, in a terrifying moment captured on a plane-spotting livestream, the Key Lime Air jet appeared to proceed towards the runway, prompting the air traffic controller to urgently command the pilots to “stop, stop, stop.” Fortunately, the aircraft came to an immediate halt and avoided crossing the runway edge line where Delta Flight 471 was in the process of taking off.
The FAA emphasized that while the jet did advance beyond the hold bars, it did not actually enter the active runway. Both Delta and Key Lime Air are cooperating with aviation officials as they investigate the nerve-wracking incident that could have had disastrous consequences.
Gonzaga Team Unaware of Close Call
In a statement released on Monday, Gonzaga University shared that the team members aboard the Key Lime Air flight were “unaware of the situation as it occurred” and expressed gratitude that the incident concluded without any harm. The 19th-ranked Bulldogs went on to face No. 15 UCLA at the Bruins’ brand-new Pauley Pavilion on Saturday, ultimately falling short 65-62 in a hard-fought battle.
We understand that the incident at LAX is under investigation and we will review this information as it becomes available. Our team members aboard the aircraft were unaware of the situation as it occurred and we are grateful that the incident ended safely for all.
Gonzaga University statement
Importance of Air Traffic Control
This unsettling event underscores the critical role that air traffic controllers play in ensuring the safety of passengers, flight crews, and airport personnel. Their quick thinking and decisive action in this case averted what could have been a devastating accident.
- Air traffic controllers oversee the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic
- They provide pilots with pertinent information required to operate aircraft safely
- Controllers must be able to quickly analyze complex situations and provide prompt instructions
As the FAA delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding this near-miss at LAX, the aviation community and the public at large eagerly await the findings, hopeful that any necessary measures will be implemented to prevent such heart-stopping close calls in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks in the world of aviation and the paramount importance of vigilance, training, and adherence to safety protocols at every level.
Gonzaga Moves Forward
For the Gonzaga Bulldogs, the focus now shifts to their upcoming game against the Pepperdine Waves on Monday evening. As they take the court, the team will undoubtedly be counting their blessings, knowing that their journey could have taken a tragic turn due to the hair-raising incident at LAX.
The basketball community will be watching closely as the Bulldogs and Bruins are set to face off again later in the season, this time on Gonzaga’s home turf. While the on-court rivalry is sure to be intense, both teams will likely carry with them a heightened appreciation for the safety measures and dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure their well-being off the court.
As the investigation into the Key Lime Air and Delta flight incident continues, the aviation world will be closely monitoring the findings, aiming to glean valuable lessons that can be applied to prevent similar close calls in the future. For now, the basketball community and fans nationwide are simply grateful that the Gonzaga team emerged unscathed from this heart-stopping brush with danger.
