FAA Probes Close Call: Southwest 737 and United 777 Near Miss at O'Hare

January 11, 2026 at 06:30 AM•2 min read

FAA is investigating a runway incursion at Chicago O'Hare after a United Boeing 777 crossed the runway as a Southwest Boeing 737 was cleared for takeoff.

Key Points

1FAA launched a formal investigation into a runway incursion at Chicago O'Hare involving a Southwest Boeing 737 and a United Boeing 777.
2The incident occurred when the United 777 crossed the runway while the Southwest 737 was cleared for takeoff, prompting a safety review.
3Chicago O'Hare (ORD) reported 83 runway incursion incidents between 2021 and 2024, highlighting existing safety challenges.
4The FAA is deploying new technologies like the Runway Incursion Device (RID) at 74 control towers by 2026 to enhance surface safety and reduce human error.

The FAA is investigating a serious Chicago O'Hare runway incursion incident. The event involved a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a United Airlines Boeing 777. The close call occurred at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on January 10, according to reports. This incident immediately prompted an aviation safety investigation by the federal regulator.

Key Incident Details

The Southwest United aircraft incident happened as the Southwest Boeing 737 was preparing for takeoff. The flight crew had received clearance to begin its departure roll. At the same time, the larger United Boeing 777 crossed the active runway. The proximity of the two aircraft triggered safety protocols. The exact distance between the two planes remains under review. The FAA is classifying this as a runway incursion. The agency will determine the severity level after a full review.

Regulatory Focus

This event adds to ongoing concerns about runway safety in the United States. Runway incursions account for roughly 15% of all aviation safety incidents annually. Furthermore, Chicago O'Hare runway incursion statistics show a history of such events. ORD reported 83 total incidents between 2021 and 2024. The investigation will focus on air traffic control procedures and pilot actions. Miscommunication between pilots and ground control causes about 75% of incursions. Pilot deviation is the most common cause overall.

Industry Response and Safety Upgrades

Following a series of high-profile close calls in 2023, the FAA launched a Safety Call to Action. The agency is actively deploying new technology to enhance runway safety improvements. These tools help controllers maintain better situational awareness. The FAA is rolling out the Runway Incursion Device (RID) at 74 control towers. This device acts as a memory aid for air traffic controllers. It clearly indicates when a runway is occupied or closed. The Surface Awareness Initiative (SAI) is also expanding to more airports. SAI uses data to display surface traffic to controllers. Full deployment of these systems is expected by the end of 2026.

This latest Boeing 737 777 incident underscores the need for these upgrades. The FAA investigates near miss events to prevent future accidents. Commercial aviation news outlets continue to track the regulator’s progress. The safety of the Boeing 737 and 777 fleets remains paramount. The outcome of this investigation will likely inform new training or procedural changes. Aviation stakeholders prioritize minimizing human error and maximizing technological safeguards.