Tensions ran high at Nashville International Airport as an Alaska Airlines jet and a Southwest Airlines plane narrowly avoided a collision on the runway, coming dangerously close to one another during their maneuvers.
The near-miss incident occurred while both planes were maneuvering on the tarmac, creating a moment of high drama for passengers and crew alike.
Quick reflexes and decisive action from Alaska Airlines’ pilots prevented a potential disaster. “We’re grateful for the expertise of our pilots who immediately applied the brakes to prevent the incident from escalating,” the airline said in a statement.
The swift braking maneuver was so intense that it caused the tires of the Alaska Airlines plane to deflate due to heat buildup. The airline expressed its deep regret over the alarming experience caused for its passengers and crew.
Southwest Airlines, whose plane was also involved in the incident, issued a statement confirming their cooperation with ongoing investigations.
“Southwest is in contact with the FAA and [the National Transportation Safety Board] and will participate in the investigation,” the airline shared, emphasizing that “nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.” Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
The planes involved were older-model Boeing 737s, according to the plane-tracking website FlightAware. While the specific details of the incident are still under investigation, the near-miss comes at a delicate time for Southwest Airlines.
Just a few months ago, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced an audit of the airline following a series of troubling events, including a flight that flew too close to Tampa Bay, Florida, and another that mistakenly took off from a runway under construction.
“The FAA has increased oversight of Southwest Airlines to ensure it is complying with federal safety regulations through the Certificate Holder Evaluation Process,” an FAA spokesperson told Quartz following the recent incidents. This increased scrutiny is part of a broader effort to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance among U.S. airlines.
As the investigation continues, both airlines are working closely with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board to understand what went wrong and prevent similar situations in the future. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role of safety protocols and vigilant piloting in the aviation industry.
