A private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic collision at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), thanks to the quick intervention of an air traffic controller. The near-miss occurred on Friday when the team’s jet came dangerously close to crossing an active runway while another aircraft was taking off. The swift and decisive action of the controller, who urgently ordered, "stop, stop, stop," averted what could have been a devastating aviation disaster.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an in-depth investigation into the incident to determine exactly what transpired and to prevent similar occurrences in the future. According to the FAA, air traffic controllers had instructed Key Lime Air Flight 563, which was carrying the basketball team, to hold short of the runway. This directive was critical, as a Delta Airlines flight was already in the process of taking off from the same runway. Despite these instructions, the Key Lime Air Embraer E135 jet began moving forward, approaching the runway's edge. The controller’s urgent command brought the jet to an immediate halt, preventing it from crossing the runway and ensuring the safety of both aircraft and all passengers on board.
The harrowing moment was captured on a plane-spotting livestream, with the audio recording documenting the air traffic controller’s urgent commands. Observers later praised the professionalism and composure of the controller, whose decisive actions likely prevented a major aviation accident. The Key Lime Air flight, which was en route from Spokane, Washington, to Los Angeles, paused momentarily after the stop command before resuming its movement under proper clearance.
In a statement released following the incident, Gonzaga University expressed gratitude for the safe outcome. “Our team members aboard the aircraft were unaware of the situation as it occurred and we are deeply thankful that the incident ended without harm to anyone involved,” the university said. The team had been traveling to Los Angeles for a scheduled basketball game, and the event has since been described as a close call that underscores the importance of vigilance in air traffic management.
Delta Airlines, whose flight was actively taking off at the time, clarified that its aircraft and passengers were unaffected by the incident. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “Delta Flight 471 operated as normal, and we are not aware of any communication from the FAA regarding this flight.” The spokesperson added that Delta fully cooperates with authorities during the ongoing investigation.
Key Lime Air, the operator of the private jet carrying the basketball team, has not provided a public explanation for the incident or why the aircraft began moving despite instructions to hold. Aviation experts speculate that potential communication missteps or misinterpretations could have played a role, but further investigation is needed to confirm the root cause.
The FAA’s investigation will focus on reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the near-miss. Officials will analyze factors such as pilot communication, air traffic control instructions, and adherence to established protocols. The incident, which occurred at one of the busiest airports in the world, highlights the complexities and challenges of managing high volumes of air traffic, particularly when multiple aircraft are operating in close proximity.
While the incident ended without injuries or damage, it has drawn attention to the vital role of air traffic controllers in maintaining aviation safety. These professionals are tasked with making split-second decisions in high-pressure situations, and their expertise is often the last line of defense against accidents.
The Gonzaga University basketball team, shaken but unharmed, has since resumed its schedule. The incident has prompted discussions within the aviation community about the need for enhanced training and technology to reduce the risk of similar events in the future. This near-miss serves as a sobering reminder of the stakes involved in air travel and the precision required to ensure the safety of passengers and crew alike. As the FAA investigation continues, authorities and stakeholders will work to identify lessons that can be learned to further strengthen safety measures in aviation.
