Tragedy narrowly averted on JFK runway by quick-thinking Swiss Air pilot
NEW YORK
The Federal Aviation Administration wants to know why a “heavy” Swiss International Airlines flight had to reject being cleared for takeoff on a John F. Kennedy International Airport runway that other planes had been given clearances to taxi across.
“Swiss Airlines Flight 17K aborted its takeoff at John F. Kennedy International Airport because four aircraft were crossing the same runway downfield,” FAA officials said in a statement. “The FAA will continue to investigate.”
The close call happened on April 17 around 4:45 p.m., the FAA said.
Air traffic control audio confirmed that the Swiss flight was cleared for departure, according to ABC News. The competence of Swiss Airlines’ Flight 17K crew might have saved lives: They quickly identified the unfolding danger.
“Swiss 17K heavy rejecting takeoff,” the plane’s pilot radioed. “Traffic on the runway.” The term “heavy” refers to an aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of 300,000 pounds or greater. The Swiss airline reportedly told ABC that its flight team’s “high level of situational awareness and quick reaction” helped to avert disaster.
Aviation site Aero Inside identified the aircraft as a Swiss International Airlines Airbus A330-300, two planes operated by Delta Airlines and a Boeing 737-8 Max owned by American Airlines.