Private Jet Ordered To Stop As Commercial Flight Takes Off

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a near-miss between a college basketball team’s private jet and a Delta commercial flight. The airline is complying with the probe, though it is believed that the team’s jet is to blame for the incident.

The event occurred at around 4:30 pm on Friday, December 27. The private jet, operated by Key Lime Air, was carrying Gonzaga University’s men’s basketball team to Los Angeles for a game against UCLA the next day.

Delta Flight 471 was preparing to take off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) headed to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on an Airbus A321. At the same time, Key Lime Air Flight 563 was touching down at LAX after a two-hour flight from Spokane International Airport (GEG).

"Air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time," stated FAA representatives. "When the Embraer E135 jet proceeded to cross the hold bars, air traffic controllers told the pilots to stop. The jet never crossed the runway edge line."

Air traffic control audio confirmed this, with the controller rapidly instructing the E135 pilots to “Stop, stop, stop.” Luckily, the E135 came to a stop just in time for the Delta flight to lift off and continue the trip as scheduled.

"We understand that the incident at LAX is under investigation and we will review this information as it becomes available," commented Gonzaga University staff. "Our team members aboard the aircraft were unaware of the situation as it occurred and we are grateful that the incident ended safely for all."

Delta is currently "not aware of any communication from the FAA regarding the flight" but is cooperating with officials on the investigation as required.

FMI: www.delta.com