(AmericanProsperity.com) – Caught in dramatic video footage, two passenger planes avoided what could have been a massive tragedy by an incredibly tight margin.
Watch the video down below.
Specifically, a Southwest Airlines commercial flight carrying passengers from Omaha nearly collided with a private jet that taxied onto an active runway against air traffic control orders.
Thankfully, quick-thinking Southwest Airlines pilots averted what could have been a catastrophic collision at Chicago’s Midway Airport.
Flight 2504 was forced to abort its landing when a FlexJet business jet ignored multiple air traffic control warnings and encroached on the runway where the Southwest plane was descending.
The two aircraft came within a mere 2,050 feet of each other – a frighteningly close call in aviation terms.
The incident adds to mounting evidence of serious safety concerns in America’s aviation system.
Despite repeated instructions from air traffic control to hold position, the FlexJet aircraft proceeded onto the active runway anyway, forcing the Southwest flight to execute an emergency “go-around” maneuver.
“Possibly just a misunderstanding or miscommunication, and the communication is a two-way street,” explained aviation expert Dr. Ryan Phillips.
“Instructions were given, perception maybe of the pilot was different. But again, that’s why it’s important with training to make sure that you clarify those points,” he added.
Video footage clearly shows the Southwest plane aborting its landing as the private jet crossed into its path.
Remarkably, passengers aboard the Southwest flight were completely unaware of how close they came to disaster.
Many assumed it was a routine maneuver until learning about the near-miss after landing.
Passenger Caley Maszk later expressed her gratitude to the flight crew: “If I could hug the pilot right now, I probably would.”
This frightening incident is not an isolated case. Data shows that near-misses occur with alarming frequency at both Midway and O’Hare airports in Chicago – averaging about one near collision per year at Midway and even more at O’Hare.
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced an investigation into the incident as part of a broader audit of 45 airports, including Midway, for runway incursion risks.
Meanwhile, both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FlexJet have launched their own investigations.
FlexJet has acknowledged the incident but claimed they “adhere to the highest safety standards,” despite their pilot seemingly ignoring direct instructions from the control tower.
Southwest Airlines restated its commitment to safety while emphasizing that its crew followed all proper procedures during the emergency.
This close call comes amid a troubling series of aviation incidents that have heightened travelers’ anxieties.
Last month alone saw two deadly crashes: a midair collision near Washington, D.C., and a medical jet crash in Philadelphia.
Other recent incidents include Delta flights returning due to smoke detection and a Delta plane flipping during landing in Toronto.
Flight crews across the country are now working overtime to reassure nervous passengers of their safety.
Southwest Airline pilots SAVED THE DAY! Great job going around at the last minute to avoid a collision from a runway incursion. pic.twitter.com/FjzoqIzH73
— Combat Learjet (@Combat_learjet) February 25, 2025
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