Unknown Person Trespassed Onto Airport And Was Struck By Aircraft

It's been a bizarre week, but recent events have taken a truly twisted turn as a person unlawfully trespassing on an Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (TX) runway was struck by a Southwest Airlines 737 that was completing its landing rollout.

The crew noted the presence of the trespasser too late to take any effective evasive action and the left engine struck the unidentified person with fatal result.

Austin Bergstrom Airport officials noted that, "According to initial reporting, Southwest Airlines Flight 1392 reported to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport that they saw an unauthorized individual on runway 17-Right, after their aircraft touched down at 8:12 p.m. Central Time on Thursday. AUS Airport Operations investigated the report and found the victim on the runway. Austin-Travis Emergency Medical Services responded to the incident and pronounced the male victim deceased at the scene.

At this time, Austin Police and the Department of Aviation can confirm that the individual involved did not have authorization to access the airfield, nor were they a employee of the airport in possession of an airport security access badge. Currently, additional details about the identity of the individual or what they were doing on the airfield are unavailable, as the investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Aviation staff is coordinating with the Austin Police Department, Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). At this time, NTSB has delegated authority to the Austin Police Department to lead the investigation."

A Southwest Airlines statement added that, "Southwest flight #1392 arrived safely after being cleared to land on runway 17R at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) this evening. The Southwest aircraft maneuvered to avoid an individual who appeared on runway 17R shortly after touchdown. The aircraft quickly came to a safe stop, and the Pilots reported the event to local air traffic controllers. After receiving further instructions from controllers, the aircraft taxied to the gate where all Customers and the Crew deplaned the aircraft safely with no reports of onboard injuries. Tonight's flight landed at 8:12 p.m. CDT, after arriving from Dallas Love Field (DAL). Southwest is fully cooperating with local law enforcement and FAA as they investigate this event. Our Southwest Hearts extend to the individual involved, and we sincerely thank our Crew for their professionalism and swift response."

FMI: www.southwest.com