A runway incursion incident involving a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has prompted an FAA investigation.
The incident occurred on Friday, December 28th, 2024, as the team’s chartered Embraer ERJ-140 jet, operated by Key Lime Air, was taxiing on the runway. The circumstances surrounding the ground incident will now be the subject of an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
LAX Ground Incident 28 December
According to reports, air traffic controllers instructed Key Lime Air flight 563 to hold of the active runway to allow a Delta Air Lines flight to take off.
The Delta aircraft, an A321-200 registered N317DN, was conducting a scheduled service to Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL).
However, the Key Lime Air jet proceeded across the hold bar, prompting the controller to urgently order the pilot to stop. The jet came to a halt just short of the runway edge line, narrowly avoiding a potential collision with the departing Delta aircraft.
In a subsequent statement, the FAA noted the following:
“Air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time.”
“When the Embraer E135 jet proceeded to cross the hold bars, air traffic controllers told the pilots to stop. The jet never crossed the runway edge line.”
While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised serious concerns about aviation safety. The FAA has launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the near-miss and identify any contributing factors.
The investigation will likely focus on the communication between air traffic control and the Key Lime Air pilot, as well as the pilot’s adherence to instructions.
Aircraft Details
The aircraft at the center of the ground incident was an Embraer ERJ-140, registered N509GU. This is a 23.2 year old aircraft, currently operated by Key Lime Air. The flight was transporting the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team from a game.
The departing Delta aircraft, an A321-200 registered N317DN, was conducting a scheduled service to Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport (ATL).
Runway Incursion Incidents
Runway incursions, where aircraft operate on, or in a designated area of, a runway without the required clearance, remain a serious safety hazard.
They can occur due to a variety of factors, including pilot error, air traffic control errors, and ground equipment malfunctions.
The aviation industry has implemented numerous safety measures to prevent runway incursions, including standardized procedures. Enhanced training for pilots and air traffic controllers, and the use of technology such as ground movement radar act as further mitigation measures.
However, despite these efforts, runway incursions continue to occur, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and continuous improvement in aviation safety practices.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly Emergencies and Incidents newsletter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
