Swiss Air Pilot Averts Collision at JFK Airport, FAA Investigates Near-Miss Incident

On April 17, 2023, a Swiss Air flight narrowly avoided a collision with four other aircraft during takeoff at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The Swiss Air pilot aborted the takeoff after realizing that air traffic control had cleared the other planes to cross the same runway.

The incident occurred around 4:45 p.m. as Swiss Air flight 17K, an Airbus A330-300, was speeding down the runway. The pilot noticed three other aircraft, including two Delta Air Lines planes and an American Airlines Boeing 737-8 Max jet, crossing the runway ahead. "Swiss 17K heavy rejecting takeoff. Traffic on the runway," the pilot reported to air traffic control in audio recordings of the incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the three other aircraft had been given permission to cross the runway about 40 seconds before the Swiss Air crew was cleared for takeoff. The agency praised the Swiss Air crew's "high level of situational awareness and quick reaction" in aborting the takeoff and preventing a potentially catastrophic collision.

Why this matters: This near-miss incident at JFK Airport adds to a growing list of similar events across the U.S., raising concerns about air traffic control procedures and communication. The FAA has reported a 65% increase in significant air traffic control lapses in the fiscal year through September 2023, which experts attribute to staffing shortages and controllers being overworked.

The JFK incident occurred just a day before another close call at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where two planes came within 400 feet of each other after being cleared for takeoff on the same runway. Earlier this year, a Delta flight and an American Airlines plane narrowly avoided a collision at JFK when they came to a stop within 1,000 feet of each other.

The FAA is investigating the Swiss Air near-miss incident to determine what led to the dangerous situation. Swiss Air praised its crew's quick thinking in preventing a potential disaster, stating, "The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority." The airline said it is fully cooperating with the FAA's investigation.

Key Takeaways

• Swiss Air flight narrowly avoided collision with 4 planes at JFK Airport
• Pilot aborted takeoff after air traffic control cleared other planes to cross runway
• FAA praised Swiss Air crew's quick reaction in preventing a catastrophic collision
• Incident adds to growing concerns over air traffic control issues in the U.S.
• FAA investigating the near-miss incident to determine the cause