Flight Bound For Branson Landed At Taney County's GA Facility

A Southwest flight from Chicago to Branson, MO, on Sunday got close, but landed at an Taney County Airport (KPLK) about 7 miles from its intended destination of Branson Airport (KBBG).

Taney County isn't really set up for 737 operations. Its runway is listed at 3,738 feet, where Branson is nearly twice as long at 7,140 feet. CNN reports that landing at the smaller airport required the pilot of the 737 to stand on the brakes after touchdown. The runway at Taney County ends at a steep embankment, and there was some concern that the plane might go over the edge and onto U.S. Highway 65.

The pilot initially announced "Welcome to Branson" after bringing the airplane to a stop, but then had to admit his mistake to the passengers. "I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen, we have landed at the wrong airport," he said over the intercom.

The passengers and their luggage were bused to Branson airport as the FAA and the NTSB began to look into how the mistake was made. Airline spokesman Brad Hawkins said the carrier was also looking into the error.

The empty 737 was able to depart KPLK Monday afternoon without incident, though it reportedly did get the attention of the nieghbors, according to radio station KTTS.

The Branson News-Leader reports that Southwest as of Monday had grounded the two pilots on board. The captain of the flight has reportedly be flying for Southwest for 15 years. The pilots have not been named.

FMI: www.southwest.com, www.taneycountyairport.com/