Shocking NTSB report: Sun glare blamed for terrifying Chicago Midway runway incident!

A preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has suggested that sun glare and pilot confusion played a significant role in a near-collision at Chicago Midway International Airport in February 2025. The incident involved a Flexjet business jet mistakenly crossing an active runway just as a Southwest Airlines flight was approaching for landing. The Southwest crew performed a last-minute go-around, flying approximately 250 feet over the Flexjet aircraft to avoid a potential catastrophe.

This event adds to a growing list of recent aviation safety incidents, prompting renewed scrutiny over runway incursion risks and the effectiveness of airport safety protocols. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB have launched full investigations into the circumstances surrounding the close call.

Why Did the Flexjet Crew Enter the Active Runway?

According to the NTSB report, the Flexjet pilots misjudged their location on the taxiway, leading them to cross into Runway 31C, which was actively in use by the Southwest Airlines flight. The crew reported that sun glare reduced visibility from the right side of their aircraft, making it difficult to see the runway hold short markings and taxiway signs.

The pilots also noted that Runway 13R/31L appeared to have a width similar to taxiways, which contributed to their misidentification of the runway layout. As a result, they failed to recognize the hold short line and proceeded past the designated stopping point.

As the Flexjet aircraft approached the runway intersection, air traffic control issued a hold short instruction—a directive that the Flexjet crew did not acknowledge. Instead, the aircraft continued to taxi across the active runway, setting the stage for a potentially disastrous encounter with the incoming Southwest jet.

How Did the Southwest Airlines Crew Respond?

Recognizing the imminent danger, the Southwest Airlines flight crew executed an immediate go-around, a standard safety maneuver in which a landing attempt is aborted to avoid collision. FlightRadar24 data confirmed that the aircraft passed just 250 feet above the Flexjet jet, underscoring how close the situation came to turning into a major accident.

The FAA later described the event as a serious runway incursion, an industry term referring to any unauthorized presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on an active runway. While no injuries occurred, aviation safety experts have highlighted the importance of improving pilot situational awareness and airport visibility conditions to prevent similar incidents.

Are Runway Incursions Increasing at U.S. Airports?

The Chicago Midway near-collision is just one of several aviation safety incidents reported in recent months. In January 2025, a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet collided at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. These events raise concerns over the state of aviation safety measures, especially as air traffic volumes return to pre-pandemic levels.

According to FAA data, runway incursions have been rising, partly due to increased flight activity and operational complexities at busy airports. Factors such as pilot fatigue, air traffic control workload, and environmental conditions like low visibility or sun glare have all contributed to these incidents.

What Steps Are Being Taken to Prevent Future Incidents?

In response to the Chicago Midway event, Flexjet issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to safety, stating that the company adheres to the highest safety standards and is conducting a thorough investigation. The statement emphasized that any necessary actions to maintain the highest levels of safety would be implemented.

The FAA and NTSB will continue to examine whether current airport signage, lighting systems, and pilot training procedures are sufficient to prevent similar mistakes. Potential safety improvements could include enhanced runway lighting and markings to improve visibility in various lighting conditions, updated air traffic control communication protocols to ensure pilot acknowledgment of critical instructions, and additional pilot training on situational awareness when taxiing in complex airport environments.

Aviation safety experts argue that technological advancements, such as real-time cockpit alerts for runway violations and AI-powered air traffic control monitoring systems, could help minimize human error in high-risk scenarios. However, implementing such changes across all major airports requires significant investment and regulatory coordination.

What Comes Next for the Investigation?

The NTSB’s final report on the Chicago Midway close call is expected to take one to two years to complete, as investigators analyze flight data, cockpit recordings, and air traffic control communications. The FAA is also conducting an independent review, which may lead to updated safety recommendations for pilots and airports nationwide.

With air travel demand continuing to grow, the Chicago Midway near-miss serves as a stark reminder of the importance of runway safety protocols. The aviation industry will now be watching closely to see what regulatory changes, if any, emerge from this latest investigation.