Near Collision at LaGuardia Airport Under Investigation

A dramatic near-miss incident at LaGuardia Airport in New York City is under investigation after a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 and an American Eagle Embraer E175 nearly collided on the same runway on May 6. This close call occurred just before an air traffic controller quickly canceled American Eagle's takeoff clearance, averting a potentially disastrous outcome. The incident comes as nearby Newark Liberty International Airport suffered its fourth air traffic control outage since April 28.

Key Takeaways:

• The incident occurred on May 6 at 12:35 a.m. EDT, involving a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 with 107 passengers and six crew members and an American Eagle Embraer E175 cleared for takeoff.
• Air traffic control received an automated conflict alert after the United plane missed its designated exit point from the runway, prompting the cancellation of American Eagle's takeoff clearance.
• The near collision occurred just as a Spirit Airlines pilot was transmitting on the same frequency, potentially blocking emergency communication.
• The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident, which is just the latest in a series of air traffic control outages at nearby Newark Liberty International Airport since April 28.
• American Eagle was ordered to abort takeoff, avoiding a potentially catastrophic outcome.
• The incident highlights the importance of air traffic control and the need for swift decision-making in high-pressure situations.
• The Spirit Airlines pilot's transmission on the same frequency may have contributed to the delay in emergency communication.

Statistics:

• 107 passengers and six crew members were on board the United Airlines Boeing 737-800.
• The American Eagle Embraer E175 was cleared for takeoff when the near collision occurred.
• The incident occurred at 12:35 a.m. EDT on May 6.
• This is the fourth air traffic control outage at nearby Newark Liberty International Airport since April 28.
• Air traffic control received an automated conflict alert after the United plane missed its designated exit point from the runway.

Sources:

• Federal Aviation Administration
• National Transportation Safety Board
• May 19 (UPI) - Byline: SHERI WALSH