Sun Glare Identified as a Key Factor in Recent Near Miss at Chicago Midway International Airport

Sun Glare Identified as a Key Factor in Recent Near Miss at Chicago Midway International Airport

Recent findings from a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that sun glare may have significantly contributed to a near miss involving a Southwest Airlines jet. This incident occurred at Chicago Midway International Airport on February 25, raising concerns about aviation safety during landing operations.

The event unfolded when a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to execute a go-around maneuver as it approached to land. A Flexjet aircraft was taxiing across the runway in the path of the oncoming jet, capturing the attention of aviation experts and safety officials alike. Dramatic video footage of the incident has been circulating, highlighting the immediate danger posed to the Southwest flight.

Ground Control Instructions Played a Role

According to the NTSB’s preliminary report, the flight crew of the Flexjet plane had received specific instructions from ground control. They were directed to turn left onto runway 04L, cross runway 31L, and hold short of runway 31C, where the Southwest flight was arriving.

The report elaborated that the crew of Flexjet flight LXJ560 faced significant visibility challenges due to sunlight as they executed the left turn onto runway 4L/22R, the direction from which the Southwest jet would soon approach them.

Preliminary Findings and Observations

The NTSB stated that the Flexjet crew did not perceive any hold short line or pavement markings at the 31L intersection as they taxiied onto runway 04L/22R. This lack of visibility led to confusion about their position on the runway.

As the incident unfolded, the captain of the Flexjet aircraft mistakenly believed he was approaching runway 13R/31L instead of 31C. Furthermore, as they neared the runway intersection, the crew reported looking both left and right but did not see the Southwest aircraft approaching for landing.

Communications Breakdown

The NTSB report underscores another critical aspect—the communication between ground control and the Flexjet crew. As LXJ560 approached the hold short line for runway 31C, the ground controller instructed them to hold short. However, the Flexjet crew did not acknowledge this critical transmission, which could have prevented the near miss.

Responses from Involved Airlines

In the aftermath of the incident, the captain of the Flexjet aircraft took prompt action by parking the plane and contacting their operator to report the possible pilot deviation. They also assessed the crew’s wellbeing before continuing with the flight. The Flexjet aircraft departed approximately 25 minutes after the runway incursion.

Southwest Flight 2504, originating from Omaha, Nebraska, successfully landed after conducting the precautionary go-around maneuver to avoid what could have been a serious collision with the Flexjet aircraft. A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines affirmed that the flight crew adhered to safety protocols, landing without incident.

“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees,” emphasized the spokesperson in a statement following the incident.

Commitment to Safety and Investigation

Flexjet’s representatives also addressed the incident, stating their commitment to high safety standards. They are conducting a thorough investigation into what occurred during the near miss event and promised to take necessary actions to enhance safety measures.

“We are aware of the occurrence in Chicago. Flexjet adheres to the highest safety standards, and any actions needed to ensure these standards will be implemented,” a Flexjet spokesperson remarked.

Assessing the Risks of Sun Glare in Aviation

This incident underscores the importance of recognizing environmental factors such as sun glare that can affect visibility in aviation operations. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, understanding these risks is crucial in enhancing safety measures for both flight crews and passengers.

As investigations proceed, industry experts will likely focus on how aviation protocols can adapt to ensure pilots receive clear information about runway conditions and visibility issues. Furthermore, improving ground control communication strategies may help prevent similar near misses in the future.

Continued attention to safety protocols in aviation is essential, making it imperative for all airlines and regulatory bodies to learn from near misses and ensure robust preventive measures are in place.

Report contributed by Stephen Sorace and Greg Wehner from Fox News Digital.