Recent incidents involving Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines have highlighted concerns about air safety practices, with a passenger suing Boeing and experts calling for increased vigilance amidst a surge in air traffic.
On Thursday morning, an Alaska Airlines flight narrowly avoided a collision with another plane while attempting to take off from Nashville International Airport (BNA). The incident occurred when the Southwest Airlines Flight 2029 was cleared to cross the same runway at the moment Alaska Airlines Flight 369 was beginning its takeoff.
According to an Alaska Airlines spokesperson, the pilot of Flight 369 immediately applied the brakes, preventing a potentially disastrous collision. The sudden stop caused the aircraft's tires to deflate due to heat buildup, prompting the crew to taxi the plane to the terminal area.
Air Safety Concerns Raised After Alaska Airlines Incident and Atlanta Airport Near-Collision
All 176 passengers and crew members on board deplaned safely, with no reported injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, a passenger on a recent Alaska Airlines flight is suing Boeing, alleging that the company's negligence put passengers' lives in danger. Cuong Tran claims that during a flight, the airplane door blew out mid-air, sucking his shoes and phone out of the cabin.
Air Safety Concerns Raised After Alaska Airlines Incident and Atlanta Airport Near-Collision
"I was terrified," said Tran. "I thought I was going to die."
Tran's lawsuit alleges that Boeing failed to properly design and maintain the airplane door, resulting in the incident. Boeing has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Air Safety Concerns Raised After Alaska Airlines Incident and Atlanta Airport Near-Collision
Just two days before the Nashville incident, a near-collision occurred on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A Delta Airbus A350 taxiing for takeoff made contact with the tail of an Endeavor Bombardier CRJ-900 jet, causing damage to both aircraft.
Witnesses reported a loud noise and saw debris flying through the air. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, which highlights the increasing congestion and complexity of air traffic operations.
Air Safety Concerns Raised After Alaska Airlines Incident and Atlanta Airport Near-Collision
Air safety experts are expressing concern about the recent incidents and calling for increased vigilance among pilots and air traffic controllers. They emphasize the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and the importance of clear communication and situational awareness.
"These incidents are a reminder of the importance of having a robust safety system in place," said aviation safety consultant John Nance. "We need to be constantly evaluating our procedures and investing in technology that can prevent these types of incidents."
The surge in air travel following the pandemic recovery is placing strain on airport and airspace resources, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures to mitigate potential risks.
