LAX air traffic controller steps in to avoid near collision on runway involving jet carrying Gonzaga basketball team
The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate a near-collision between a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team and a Delta Air Lines flight at Los Angeles International Airport on Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred on December 27 when Key Lime Flight 563, carrying the basketball team, taxied to the gate after arriving from Spokane, Washington. According to a statement from the FAA, air traffic controllers told the crew not to cross the runway because another plane was taking off at the same time.
According to the FAA, the team’s charter flight – an Embraer E135 – “began to cross the holding bar” after being instructed to do so.
As the Delta flight took off from the runway, an air traffic controller shouted over the radio: “Killem, stop, stop.”
Airline live video
The plane came to an immediate stop and “never crossed the runway edge,” according to the FAA. After Delta Flight 563 left the airport, air traffic controllers allowed Key Lime Flight 563 to cross the runway and proceed to the gate.
YouTube channel named Airline live video The incident was recorded.
On December 28, Gonzaga played against the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and ultimately lost 65-62. They have another game against Pepperdine University at Los Angeles County on Monday at 7 p.m.
