The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its preliminary report on a near-collision incident at Chicago Midway International Airport on 25 February.
The initial report suggests that sun glare may have been one potential contributing factor to the incident involving a landing Southwest Boeing 737 and a taxiing Challenger 350 light jet. The NTSB investigation is continuing into the near collision at Chicago Midway International Airport.
Incident Overview
On February 25, 2025, at approximately 0848 Central Standard Time (CST), a runway incursion occurred at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
It involved Flexjet Flight LXJ560, a Bombardier Challenger 350 registered N560FX, and Southwest Airlines Flight SWA2504, a Boeing 737-800 registered N8517F.
The event necessitated an immediate go-around by the landing Southwest aircraft as flight LXJ560 traversed Runway 31C. The Boeing 737-800 passed within 200 feet of the Challenger 350 jet during the maneuver.
No damage to either aircraft was reported, and all 142 occupants aboard SWA2504 and three aboard LXJ560 were unharmed.
Following the go-around, SWA2504 executed an uneventful landing shortly thereafter. LXJ560 was en route from MDW to Tyson McGhee Airport (TYS), Tennessee.
Flight SWA2504 operated as a scheduled passenger service from Eppley Airfield (OMA), Nebraska, to MDW.
SWA2504 Operational Details
Post-incident statements from the SWA2504 flight crew indicate that approach control cleared the aircraft for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Runway 31C under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
The captain served as the pilot flying (PF), with the first officer (FO) as the pilot monitoring (PM). The crew established contact with MDW tower at the RUNTS waypoint and received landing clearance.
The approach proceeded without anomalies, with autopilot disengaged at approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL). During descent, both pilots observed a general aviation aircraft taxiing perpendicular to Runway 31C and assumed it would hold short.
At the 100-foot audible altitude call, the FO recognized the aircraft’s intent to cross the runway and directed an immediate go-around. The captain then executed the aborted landing per standard procedures. The maneuver was completed without incident.
LXJ560 Operational Details
According to LXJ560 crew statements, the flight was scheduled to depart MDW at 0846 CST. Pre-flight preparations, passenger boarding, engine start, and checklists were completed prior to taxi.
The crew requested taxi instructions from MDW ground control at the Signature ramp (“Whiskey”). Initial clearance directed them to Runway 22L via Taxiway F, holding short of Runway 04L.
After seeking clarification due to unclear instructions, the crew received an amended clearance: Taxiway A to Taxiway F, holding short of Runway 04L/22R.
Subsequently, ground control instructed a left turn onto Runway 04L, crossing Runway 31L, and holding short of Runway 31C.
An initial incorrect readback was promptly corrected by ground control and accurately acknowledged.
As LXJ560 turned onto Runway 04L/22R, the crew reported reduced visibility due to sun glare from the right side but did not recall observing hold-short markings or signage for Runway 31L.
Approaching Runway 31C, ground control issued a hold-short instruction, which went unacknowledged.
While crossing Runway 13C/31C, ground control directed the crew to hold position. The captain proceeded to clear the runway intersection, stopping the aircraft with its tail clear of the runway boundary.
Investigation Status
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the near collision at Chicago Midway. Preliminary findings suggest potential contributing factors, including communication discrepancies and visibility limitations.
The investigation remains active, with further analysis pending to determine causal factors and recommend preventive measures.
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