Additional Coverage:
- Feds investigate alarming near miss between Alaska Airlines jet, FedEx plane at busy Newark airport (foxnews.com)
Federal Authorities Investigate “Close Call” at Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark, NJ – Federal authorities have launched an investigation into a reported “close call” involving a commercial passenger jet and a cargo aircraft at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday night. The incident, which occurred on intersecting runways, prompted a swift response from air traffic control.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the near-miss involved an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 777. Both aircraft were on approach to land when the situation unfolded.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), at approximately 8:15 p.m., an air traffic controller instructed Alaska Airlines Flight 294 to execute a “go-around.” This directive was issued because FedEx Flight 721 had already been cleared for its final approach to an intersecting runway.
A spokesperson for FedEx stated that “following instructions from air traffic control, the flight crew of FedEx flight 721 landed safely without incident at Newark Liberty International Airport.”
Similarly, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson confirmed that Flight 294 was also cleared for landing at the airport. “Air traffic control issued a go-around to our aircraft, which our pilots are highly trained for,” the spokesperson noted. “We’re aware the FAA and NTSB are investigating.”
This incident comes amidst ongoing concerns about air traffic controller shortages at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the nation’s busiest air travel hubs. The airport has experienced operational strains and significant delays as a result.
Both the FAA and NTSB are actively investigating the matter.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as they become available.