NTSB Cites Southwest Crew's Failure to Communicate as Cause of Austin Near-Collision
The National Transportation Safety Board has determined the probable cause for the near-collision between a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 767 in Austin, Texas. The incident occurred in February 2023 when the two aircraft came within 200 feet of each other on the same runway in low visibility. Investigators concluded the Southwest flight crew failed to inform air traffic control about their prolonged taxi and delayed takeoff. This lack of communication led the controller to clear the FedEx flight to land on the runway that was still occupied. The NTSB also noted a lack of surface detection technology at the airport as a contributing factor and issued new safety recommendations to the FAA.
Official Source: https://www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/nr20260512.aspx
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