Near-disaster at Nashville airport as Alaska Airlines narrowly avoids collision with Southwest plane

An Alaska Airlines flight narrowly avoided a potentially deadly runway collision with a Southwest Airlines jet at Nashville International Airport, prompting investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Alaska Airlines Flight 369, a Boeing 737 MAX 9, was accelerating for takeoff when it had to abruptly abort after Southwest Airlines Flight 2029, a Boeing 737-700, was cleared to cross the same runway. The incident, which occurred at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, has raised serious questions about air traffic control protocols and aviation safety in the United States.

FAA and NTSB Launch Probe into Nashville Near-Miss

Both the FAA and NTSB have initiated a thorough investigation into the events that led to the near-miss. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed deep concern about the incident, emphasizing the need for a detailed investigation. The FAA has also confirmed it is examining the actions of air traffic controllers who managed the runway. Preliminary data from Flightradar24 showed that the Alaska Airlines plane was traveling at 104 knots when its pilots applied the brakes, causing severe tire damage.

Aviation Safety Concerns Escalate After Near-Collision

The incident comes amidst a worrying trend in aviation safety across U.S. airports. According to FAA data, there has been a noticeable uptick in serious runway incursions in recent years. With seven serious incidents already recorded in 2024, safety advocates are demanding immediate reforms. The FAA is currently considering implementing advanced runway incursion prevention systems that utilize automated alerts to notify both pilots and air traffic controllers of potential conflicts.

Impact on Passengers and Airlines

In response to the incident, Alaska Airlines has refunded affected passengers and provided an additional $1,000 compensation. Although no injuries were reported, the damage to the aircraft’s tires delayed further operations. The Southwest Airlines flight, which was bound for Jacksonville, Florida, was able to continue its journey without further complications.

Expert Opinions Call for Technological Solutions

Aviation safety experts are increasingly advocating for enhanced safety protocols, including advanced technology that could prevent runway incursions. Some argue that current procedures rely too heavily on human judgment and that automated systems could significantly reduce the risk of human error. Michael Huerta, a former FAA Administrator, has previously stated that implementing new technologies could create an additional layer of safety at busy airports, potentially averting future incidents.

The Broader Implications of the Nashville Incident

The near-miss at Nashville International Airport is not an isolated event but rather part of a broader pattern of runway safety issues in the U.S. aviation sector. The outcome of this investigation could lead to stricter regulations, improved training for air traffic controllers, and accelerated adoption of runway safety technology. As the FAA and NTSB delve deeper into the incident, their findings may redefine safety standards across U.S. airports.

FAA and NTSB Investigations: What’s Next?

The investigation by the FAA and NTSB is expected to be comprehensive, examining everything from air traffic control procedures to pilot responses. The aviation industry is closely watching these developments, as the findings could significantly impact future safety measures and technology adoption. Until then, passengers and airlines alike are left to question the safety protocols currently in place at some of the nation’s busiest airports.