Southwest Maneuver Averts Midway Collision
A near-miss incident at Chicago Midway International Airport has spotlighted the critical importance of quick decision-making and strict adherence to safety procedures in aviation. On February 25, 2025, at approximately 08:50 local time, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8H4 (registration N8517F) operating flight WN2504 from Omaha to Chicago narrowly avoided a collision with a business jet.
Live stream footage captured by aviation enthusiasts revealed the tense moment when the Southwest aircraft, in its final approach to Chicago Midway, suddenly pulled up in a go-around maneuver. The unexpected action was triggered when a business jet belonging to luxury private jet company Flexjet, en route to Knoxville, taxied onto the runway without proper authorization. The proximity of the two aircraft was startling; air traffic control recordings later confirmed that they were only 2,050 feet apart at the closest point.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the swift reaction by the Southwest pilot was crucial in preventing what could have been a catastrophic accident. Flightradar24 data further supported that the aircraft circled back safely and eventually landed without incident. Southwest Airlines released a statement commending its crew, emphasizing that they followed all established safety procedures. “The crew’s quick thinking and professionalism exemplify our unwavering focus on Safety, and Southwest is grateful for their swift and decisive actions,” the statement read. No injuries were reported, and the flight landed safely at Chicago Midway.
The incident has prompted immediate attention from aviation authorities. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm that both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations into the incident. Duffy stressed the importance of pilots following air traffic control instructions, warning that failure to comply could result in severe penalties, including the suspension of licenses.
This near-collision at Chicago Midway is part of a worrying trend of aviation close calls across the United States. Earlier incidents include a near miss between an Alaska Airlines aircraft and a Southwest flight at Nashville International Airport on September 12, 2024, and an unusual collision involving an American Eagle aircraft and a tug tractor at Philadelphia International Airport in August 2024. These events, compounded by reports from a US Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation subcommittee, indicate that a shortage of air traffic controllers may be contributing to an increase in aircraft close calls at major airports.
Aviation experts have reiterated that while such incidents are rare, the consequences of a delayed or improper response could be dire. They highlighted that the success of safety protocols heavily relies on both the pilot’s skill and the coordinated efforts of air traffic controllers. The incident at Chicago Midway reinforces the necessity for ongoing training and strict adherence to safety standards in the aviation industry.
The recent near-collision at Chicago Midway serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in aviation and the critical role that quick decision-making and safety protocols play in preventing accidents. As investigations continue, airlines and regulators alike are urged to work closely together to address the challenges posed by staffing shortages and ensure the highest levels of safety for all passengers and crew.
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