Did an Air Traffic Control Error Cause a Near Miss at JFK International Airport?
Key Points
- 1The NTSB final report on the January 2023 JFK runway incursion cited distractions on the flight deck and an air traffic control error as contributing factors.
- 2A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 aborted takeoff approximately 1,000 feet from an American Airlines Boeing 777 that crossed the runway without clearance.
- 3The incident was averted by the Airport Surface Detection Equipment – Model X (ASDE-X) system, which alerted the air traffic controller.
- 4The investigation reinforced concerns about systemic ATC staffing shortages and the need for enhanced runway safety protocols across the U.S.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded their investigation into a serious near-collision. The runway incursion incident occurred at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in January 2023. It involved two major commercial airliners, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 and an American Airlines Boeing 777. The NTSB abstract of the final report, released in June 2024, detailed multiple contributing factors.
Key Details of the Incident
The close call happened as Delta Flight 1943 was accelerating for takeoff on Runway 4L. American Airlines Flight 106 crossed the same runway without proper clearance. An air traffic controller quickly noticed the danger and commanded the Delta jet to cancel takeoff clearance. The Delta Boeing 737 came to a safe stop. The two aircraft were separated by approximately 1,000 feet.
This critical safety maneuver prevented a catastrophic collision.
NTSB Findings on Error
The investigation cited distractions on both the flight deck and in the control tower. The American Airlines flight crew was multitasking during ground navigation. This led the captain to mistakenly continue along the wrong taxiway. The other two crew members were engaged in tasks that diverted their attention.
Safety issues were also identified with air traffic control error. The ground controller was performing a lesser priority task. This distraction prevented the controller from noticing the American Airlines plane’s wrong turn. The ATC tower team did not prioritize continuously scanning the airport environment.
Technology and Systemic Challenges
Investigators noted that technology was vital in averting the crash. The Airport Surface Detection Equipment – Model X (ASDE-X) system issued alerts. These aural and visual warnings in the tower alerted the controller to the potential collision. JFK is one of 35 major U.S. airports equipped with ASDE-X.
Impact of ATC Staffing
The incident highlights growing concerns over aviation safety and systemic issues. Data shows a significant increase in runway incursions and operational errors. Many of these loss of separation incidents are attributed to controller mistakes. The U.S. air traffic control system faces a severe staffing shortage. Less than 10% of the nation's airport terminal towers meet staffing targets. This shortage forces controllers to work grueling overtime schedules. This situation contributes to fatigue and burnout, increasing the risk of human error.
Industry Response and Recommendations
The NTSB issued several safety recommendations to the FAA. They urged the FAA to require technology to warn pilots of collision risk. They also called for all planes to have cockpit voice recorders (CVR) capable of recording 25 hours. The CVR data for the American Airlines jet was overwritten in this incident. Aviation safety investigation relies heavily on this critical data. The FAA continues to work on modernizing its systems and addressing the staffing deficit.
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Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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