Flexjet crew ‘failure’ to pay attention, A terrifying near-miss at Chicago Midway International Airport has drawn national attention, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stating that the incident was caused by a failure of the Flexjet crew to follow air traffic control instructions. The private jet, operated by Flexjet, crossed an active runway as a Southwest Airlines plane was landing, forcing the Southwest pilots to abort their landing and execute a go-around to avoid a collision.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday, has sparked debate over aviation safety and led to widespread speculation about the potential consequences for the Flexjet pilots involved. Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter via social media, commending the Southwest pilots for their quick response while criticizing the Flexjet crew.
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to comment on the near-disaster. He praised the Southwest pilots for their decisive action and suggested that the Flexjet crew may have been “sleeping” during the critical moments leading up to the incident.
“GREAT JOB BY THE SOUTHWEST PILOTS IN CHICAGO. A NEARLY TRAGIC CLOSE CALL. PERHAPS SUSPEND THE PILOTS LICENSE OF THE OTHER PLANE, WHO MUST HAVE BEEN ‘SLEEPING!'” Trump wrote.
His statement reflects the severity of the situation and the concerns over what appears to have been a significant lapse in protocol by the Flexjet crew. However, while the NTSB has pointed to the private jet’s failure to follow instructions, a full investigation is still underway.
The incident occurred when the Flexjet aircraft, a business jet, was instructed to “line up and wait” while holding short of Runway 31C, where the Southwest Airlines aircraft was landing. However, the Flexjet crew failed to comply and entered the active runway as the Southwest plane was touching down. Recognizing the potential danger, the Southwest pilots immediately executed a go-around, lifting off again to avoid a catastrophic collision.
Jennifer Homendy, the NTSB chair, addressed the incident during a Wednesday morning appearance on “Fox & Friends,” confirming that the Flexjet crew did not follow the given instructions.
“The Flexjet crew had been instructed to ‘line up and wait’ and hold short of Runway 31C, which Southwest was landing on, and they failed to do so,” Homendy stated.
Despite this assertion, she emphasized that a thorough investigation is still required before any final conclusions can be reached or disciplinary action can be taken.
“There’s a lot of information we still have to collect. We want to know what was going on in the cockpit of that airplane,” she added. “We will collect air traffic control communications. We have asked for the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder from Flexjet.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also weighed in, releasing a preliminary statement that confirmed the “business jet entered the runway without authorization.” The FAA, in collaboration with the NTSB, is actively investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances and potential causes of the near-miss.
Both agencies are expected to review multiple sources of data, including recordings from air traffic control, pilot communications, flight data logs, and the cockpit voice recorder from the Flexjet aircraft.
While no immediate disciplinary action has been announced, Flexjet pilots could face serious consequences if the investigation confirms negligence or a violation of standard operating procedures. NTSB Chair Homendy did not rule out the possibility of license suspensions or other penalties for the crew involved.
Flexjet, a well-known private jet operator, has acknowledged the incident and assured the public that it is conducting its own investigation. The company released a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety and pledging to take corrective actions if necessary.
“We are aware of the occurrence today in Chicago,” a Flexjet spokesperson said. “Flexjet adheres to the highest safety standards, and we are conducting a thorough investigation. Any action to rectify and ensure the highest safety standards will be taken.”
The company’s statement reflects a commitment to accountability, but it remains unclear what internal measures will be implemented in response to the incident.
This near-miss comes at a time of increasing concern over aviation safety, particularly regarding runway incursions—situations where an aircraft or vehicle mistakenly enters an active runway, potentially leading to collisions. While commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of travel, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the critical importance of strict adherence to air traffic control instructions.
In recent years, the FAA has focused heavily on reducing the risk of runway incursions through improved training, upgraded airport infrastructure, and enhanced air traffic control protocols. However, as this latest incident demonstrates, human error remains a significant factor in aviation safety.
Aviation experts have pointed out that while the Southwest pilots’ quick response likely prevented a disaster, the incident should prompt a review of operational protocols for private jet operators like Flexjet. Unlike commercial airlines, private jet crews often operate with smaller teams and may not have the same level of oversight as major carriers.
While the investigation is ongoing, the potential consequences for the Flexjet crew could be severe. If the NTSB and FAA determine that the pilots failed to follow instructions due to negligence, they could face license suspensions, fines, or other penalties. In extreme cases, regulatory agencies have the authority to revoke pilot licenses entirely.
FAA regulations are strict when it comes to runway incursions, as they pose a direct threat to passenger safety. Pilots are required to maintain constant communication with air traffic control and strictly follow instructions to prevent such incidents. A failure to do so can lead to disciplinary action, mandatory retraining, or even legal consequences.
While the near-miss in Chicago ended without physical harm, it serves as a stark reminder of how crucial it is for pilots to remain vigilant and follow instructions precisely. Aviation safety relies on a system of checks and balances, where both pilots and air traffic controllers play critical roles in preventing accidents.
The incident also highlights the importance of continuous training and oversight for pilots operating private jets. Unlike commercial airline pilots, who undergo rigorous and frequent evaluations, private jet crews may not always have the same level of scrutiny.
As the investigation unfolds, aviation authorities and industry leaders will likely use this case as a learning opportunity to reinforce safety measures and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The near-collision at Chicago Midway International Airport was a terrifying moment that could have ended in tragedy if not for the quick thinking of the Southwest Airlines pilots. The NTSB has placed initial blame on the Flexjet crew for failing to follow air traffic control instructions, but a full investigation is still underway.
With the FAA and NTSB gathering more data, the aviation community will be watching closely to see what conclusions are drawn and what actions are taken against the Flexjet pilots. In the meantime, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of strict adherence to flight protocols and the need for ongoing training and vigilance in the aviation industry.
As the aviation world awaits further updates, one thing remains clear: safety must always be the top priority in the skies.
