A Southwest Airlines plane nearly collided into a private jet at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) on the morning of February 25, according to a report by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The incident occurred on the runway as the passenger plane attempted to land but had to abort and perform a go-around to avert an accident. This is just the latest in a series of accidents and near-misses that point to the difficulties faced by the current air traffic control system.

A Near-Miss at MDW

On the morning of Tuesday, February 25, a Southwest Airlines passenger jet was flying from Omaha, Nebraska to Chicago, Illinois and attempted to land. At the same time, a private plane, a Bombardier Challenger 350, was attempting to take off for Knoxville, Tennessee, crossing the same runway that the Southwest flight wanted to land on. Thankfully, the pilot of the Southwest flight was able to abort the takeoff and perform a go-around, avoiding an accident.

Released Audio Hints at Human Error

Audio released from the air traffic control tower indicates that there was some confusion over directions between the air traffic control tower and the pilot of the private plane. This caused them to cross the runway somewhere they were not meant to, putting them in the path of the landing airliner. However, the tower was able to inform the Southwest pilot quickly enough for them to avoid landing and potentially colliding with the private plane.

A Pattern of Safety Issues

This incident is only the latest in a series of near-misses and crashes at airports throughout the country. This includes a tragic incident in Washington, D.C., where a passenger jet collided with a military helicopter, killing everyone on board both vehicles. These problems start with staffing shortages at air traffic control towers but also include growing problems with privately owned drones that are complicating already crowded airspace.

Potential Solutions for the Future

            While it may be possible to address these problems, doing so will not be easy or quick. Training new air traffic controllers, for example, is a task that can take up to three years, and even then, it can take time for them to become experienced enough to handle the burden placed on them. It may also require more stringent measures to control air traffic in the most crowded skies in the country, where even one mistake can potentially cost lives.

If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.