Sun Glare a Suspected Factor in Near Miss at Chicago Midway, NTSB Report Reveals
A preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that sun glare may have played a significant role in a near collision involving a Southwest Airlines jet at Chicago Midway International Airport on February 25th. The incident, which was captured on video, saw the Southwest flight forced to execute a go-around maneuver as it was approaching to land on runway 31C, avoiding a potential collision with a Flexjet aircraft that had begun taxiing across its path.
The report details that the Flexjet plane, designated LXJ560, had been instructed by ground control to turn left onto runway 04L, cross runway 31L, and then hold short of runway 31C. This clearance would have allowed the Southwest flight, originating from Omaha, Nebraska as Flight 2504, to land safely. However, circumstances aligned to create a dangerous situation.
According to post-incident statements included in the NTSB report, the flight crew of the Flexjet aircraft reported that the sun’s position created a significant impediment to their visibility. As they turned onto runway 4L/22R, the intense glare from the sun made it difficult to see from the right side of the aircraft – precisely the direction from which the Southwest jet was approaching.
The report further reveals that the Flexjet crew failed to recall seeing any of the standard hold short line or pavement markings intended to clearly identify the 31L intersection. These markings are designed to prevent precisely such incursions onto active runways. The NTSB emphasized this point within the report.
Adding to the confusion, the Flexjet crew stated that runway 13R/31L appeared to have a similar width to the taxiways, leading them to believe it wasn’t a runway at all. This misjudgment contributed to their failure to recognize the potential danger. The Captain mentioned that as he was approaching runway 13C/31C, he mistook it for runway 13R/31L. Despite visually checking both left and right before entering the runway intersection, they did not see the incoming Southwest aircraft on its final approach.
As the Flexjet aircraft approached the hold short line for runway 31C, ground control issued an instruction for LXJ560 to hold short. Crucially, this transmission was not acknowledged by the Flexjet crew, indicating a potential lapse in communication or attention within the cockpit. This failure to acknowledge the ground control instruction adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding chain of events.
Following the near miss, the captain of the Flexjet aircraft took the plane to a parking location. He contacted the operator to notify them of the possible pilot deviation. In addition, he assessed the wellbeing of the flight crew before continuing on their trip. They departed approximately 25 minutes after the runway incursion, according to the NTSB.
The Southwest flight crew, on the other hand, responded promptly and professionally to the developing situation. By executing a go-around maneuver, they successfully avoided a potential collision with the Flexjet aircraft. The Southwest flight ultimately landed safely.
In the aftermath of the incident, both airlines issued statements. Southwest Airlines emphasized the importance of safety, stating, "The crew followed safety procedures and the flight landed without incident. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees."
Flexjet responded that the company adheres to the highest safety standards and that it had launched its own investigation. "We are aware of the occurrence… in Chicago," the statement read. "Flexjet adheres to the highest safety standards and we are conducting a thorough investigation. Any action to rectify and ensure the highest safety standards will be taken."
The preliminary NTSB report provides a factual account of the events leading up to the near miss at Chicago Midway. While identifying potential contributing factors, such as sun glare and possible misjudgment by the Flexjet crew, the report does not draw any conclusions about the definitive cause. The NTSB will conduct a more thorough investigation, including examination of flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders, and interviews with all parties involved. This process will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the incident and ultimately lead to recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident underscores the importance of pilot awareness, adherence to air traffic control instructions, and clear communication. It also highlights the potential impact of environmental factors, such as sun glare, on pilot visibility and decision-making. The results of the NTSB’s complete investigation will be crucial in identifying areas for improvement in aviation safety procedures and technology.
The investigation is ongoing and is expected to delve deeper into the human factors, operational procedures, and technological aspects of the incident. The findings and recommendations will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders within the aviation industry, with the ultimate goal of enhancing safety and preventing future near misses. The full report should provide a more complete narrative of the events that transpired and will provide the means for necessary changes to improve the safety of air travel.
