A Narrow Escape: Southwest Airlines and a Private Jet Avoid Collision at Midway Airport

A Heart-Stopping Moment in Chicago Skies

On Tuesday morning, a potentially catastrophic collision was narrowly avoided at Chicago’s Midway Airport. A Southwest Airlines plane, Flight 2504, en route from Omaha, found itself in a perilous situation as it approached the runway for landing. Just moments before touchdown, the pilots were forced to abort the landing and climb to safety to avoid a private business jet that had unexpectedly taxied into the runway. Video footage captures the harrowing moment, showing the Southwest Boeing 737 Max8 mere inches from the ground before throttling up and ascending sharply. Seconds later, the plane flew over the private jet at an altitude of approximately 250 feet, as indicated by preliminary flight data.

The incident unfolded at around 8:50 a.m. local time, a busy hour for air traffic. The private jet, identified as a FlexJet Bombardier Challenger heading to Knoxville, Tennessee, had been cleared to cross one runway but was instructed to hold short of another. However, the pilot of the private jet initially repeated the instructions incorrectly, prompting a correction from air traffic control. After acknowledging the corrected instructions, the pilot adhered to them, but the damage was already done. About 30 seconds later, the Southwest pilot declared they were "going around," a term used when a plane aborts its landing to avoid a potential collision or other hazard.

Communication Breakdown and Quick Thinking

The incident highlights a critical breakdown in communication and procedural adherence. Air traffic control recordings reveal that the private jet pilot initially misinterpreted instructions, which were promptly corrected by the tower. While the pilot eventually acknowledged the correct instructions, the misstep created a dangerous scenario. The Southwest pilots, exhibiting exceptional training and instincts, acted swiftly to abort the landing and climb to safety. Their actions, described as the "final layer of defense," prevented what could have been a devastating accident.

Southwest Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that their crew performed a "precautionary go-around to avoid a possible conflict with another aircraft that entered the runway." The flight ultimately landed safely without incident. FlexJet, the operator of the private jet, acknowledged the occurrence and stated they are investigating the matter further.

Multiple Layers of Defense: A Safety Net in Action

The aviation system is designed with multiple layers of defense to prevent such close calls from escalating into disasters. These include air traffic control protocols, pilot training, and aircraft technology. In this case, the private jet’s unauthorized entry onto the runway bypassed several of these defenses. However, the swift and decisive actions of the Southwest pilots, combined with their keen situational awareness, served as the last line of defense. Former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Robert Sumwalt, a transportation safety analyst for CBS News, emphasized the importance of these human factors in maintaining aviation safety.

Sumwalt noted that while the aviation system remains one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents like this underscore the vulnerabilities that can arise when procedures are not followed meticulously. "Once again, we are seeing cases like this where those defenses are being bypassed, and we have a close call," he said. "Fortunately, the final layer of defense—the eyes and actions of the Southwest pilots—kept this event from being a serious accident."

Runway Incursions: A Growing Concern in Aviation Safety

Despite the safety of air travel, runway incursions like this one are a growing concern, particularly as air traffic has rebounded following the pandemic. According to recent data, the rate of serious runway incursions decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year, dropping from 0.4 per one million airport operations to 0.124 per million operations. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder that even rare events can have significant consequences if not managed effectively.

Experts attribute the recent spike in such incidents to increased air traffic and potential lapses in communication and adherence to protocols. Sumwalt calls for continued vigilance and adherence to safety protocols, emphasizing that the margin between a close call and a catastrophe is often measured in seconds and inches.

The Role of Human Error and the Need for Vigilance

The incident at Midway Airport draws attention to the role of human error in aviation safety. While technology and systems provide critical support, the decisions and actions of pilots and air traffic controllers remain paramount. In this case, the private jet pilot’s initial misinterpretation of instructions created a dangerous situation, but the Southwest pilots’ quick thinking and adherence to training saved the day.

This close call also underscores the importance of ongoing training and the need for robust communication protocols. As air travel continues to recover and grow, the aviation industry must remain vigilant in addressing potential vulnerabilities. Incidents like this one serve as a reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in air travel, as well as the incredible skill and professionalism of those who work tirelessly to keep passengers safe.

A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety

The near-miss at Midway Airport is a wake-up call for the aviation industry, highlighting the need for continued focus on safety protocols and communication. While the incident did not result in harm, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that exist even in one of the safest industries in the world.

As authorities investigate this incident, the broader aviation community will undoubtedly take note. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has already begun an investigation into the matter, and their findings will likely shape future safety measures. For now, the incident stands as a testament to the importance of preparedness and the heroism of those who navigate the skies every day.