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FAA investigating near miss at Reagan National Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a near miss incident at Reagan National Airport on Thursday that involved two jets — one operated by Southwest Airlines and the other by JetBlue Airways.

According to the FAA, the incident took place 7:41 a.m. An air traffic controller instructed Southwest Flight 2937 to cross Runway 4, while JetBlue Flight 1554 was starting its takeoff roll down the same runway, the agency said.

No serious injuries were reported.

In a statement, JetBlue said the aircraft was inspected before ultimately departing for Boston.

“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will work closely with federal officials as this event is fully investigated,” the airline said in a statement.

Southwest Airlines said it is aware of the incident and will work with the FAA to “fully understand the circumstances.”

The incident is one of several near misses that have raised concerns about aviation safety.

At a Senate hearing in November, safety experts urged the FAA to take aggressive action to prevent such incidents. A report by a panel of experts released days after that hearing also underscored the need for the FAA to address the shortage of air traffic controllers and invest in new technology that could prevent such problems. Earlier this month, the FAA announced that it would install runway safety technology at several airports, including Austin-Bergstrom International and Indianapolis International, as part of its effort to eliminate close calls.

Thursday’s incident also is adding fuel to the debate in Congress over whether more flights should be added at National Airport.

Virginia Sens. Mark R. Warner (D) and Tim Kaine (D) took to the Senate floor to express their concern about the incident, saying the “near catastrophe” illustrates the risk passengers could face if more flights are added at National.

“The incident yesterday was a big warning light flashing red, telling Congress not to take steps to weaken the safety of this airport,” Kaine said.

Added Warner: “Why would we sacrifice safety — or for that matter just the ability to get in and out of that airport — any more? The safety of the flying public must be our focus.”

Kaine and Warner are among D.C.-area lawmakers pushing back against a plan to add flights at National, which is included in the Senate version of the measure to fund the FAA.

Their remarks drew strong pushback from Capital Access Alliance, which wants to add more flights at National .

“It’s ironic that the same members of Congress who are seeking to exploit [Thursday’s] incident at DCA have stayed silent when numerous similar incidents have taken place around the country, including at Dulles in 2018 and at many other airports,” said Brian Walsh, a CAA spokesman.

CAA, whose members include Delta Air Lines and business groups around the country, argue that adding air service at National would lower ticket prices and make it easier for travelers from across the country to visit the nation’s capital. But members of the D.C.-area delegation say the airport is already at capacity and adding more flights would pose safety risks.

The Senate version of the FAA funding bill includes a provision that would add five flights at National. However, the House version of the funding bill did not include additional flights. Lawmakers are currently negotiating what provisions will be included in the final version of the measure.

National’s unique status as one of two airports owned by the federal government — alongside Dulles International Airport — means Congress has the power to make changes to how it operates. Current rules limit the number of flights and the distance they travel. But Congress has made changes over the years.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which manages National and Dulles, has long argued that adding long-distance flights at National harms Dulles because the international airport is less convenient for some travelers in the District and close-in suburbs. It also contends that National’s small footprint — it was built to handle 15 million annual passengers, but now handles 24 million — would make it difficult to accommodate additional flights.

A 2021 report by the Government Accountability Office examined the effect of the perimeter rule, a guideline limiting flights, at National and cited a mix of results. It noted that allowing more long-distance flights resulted in larger aircraft operating at National, fueling passenger growth but also raising concerns about traffic and whether the airport had enough space to accommodate additional travelers.

The GAO did not take a position on whether additional long-distance flights should be permitted or whether the perimeter rule should be abolished. However, it did say that doing away with the rule “would likely be a detriment to passengers in certain communities” because airlines might reduce service to smaller markets in favor of larger, more lucrative routes.

It also noted that lifting the rule could foster more competition, potentially lowering airfares on some long-distance routes. Still, it cautioned that it would be “challenging to predict or quantify such effects.”

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Travelers at Reagan National Airport continue to bring firearms to checkpoints

ARLINGTON, Va.--Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers working at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) continue to see travelers bringing their guns to the airport in their carry-on luggage and TSA wants to remind travelers of the proper and legal way to transport firearms for their flights. TSA officers at DCA have prevented 30 guns from getting through the checkpoints so far this year, which ties the record for most firearms caught in a year with two months still remaining in 2023.   Nationwide, TSA officers have stopped more than 5,000 firearms at airport checkpoints so far this year and the agency is on pace to surpass the record of 6,542, which was set last year . The TSA team at DCA is part of that upward trend. “Our TSA officers are good at their jobs in helping to ensure that passengers get to their destinations safely and get home safely,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Each firearm caught has been discovered during the routine screening of carry-on items at the airport checkpoint." “It is disappointing to see travelers continue to bring their guns to our checkpoints because in doing so they create a potentially dangerous situation through their own actions,” Busch added. “Responsible gun owners know where their guns are and they know not to bring them to a checkpoint. We have no issues with passengers who pack their firearms properly to be transported on their flight in their checked baggage, but bringing a loaded gun to a checkpoint is not the way to do it.” When a TSA officer at DCA spots the image of a handgun on the x-ray monitor, TSA immediately alerts the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority Police, which responds to the security checkpoint and resolves the matter. In addition to potential criminal arrests or citations, travelers face stiff federal civil penalties for bringing guns to the security checkpoint. TSA evaluates each gun incident on a case-by-case basis.  “The most common excuse we hear is that someone claims they forgot they had their loaded gun with them,” said Busch. “If you own a firearm, you should know where it is at all times. It is part of being a responsible gun owner. Even if travelers have a concealed weapons permit, they are not allowed to board an airplane with the gun in carry-on luggage. The idea is that nobody should have access to a gun during a flight. However, you can transport it with checked baggage if you do so properly.”

Busch also expressed concern that many travelers claim that they are not aware that their loaded firearm is in their bag and that “every day TSA and airport staff encounter lost or left-behind carry-on bags. If this were one of them, there would be very little that could be done to prevent another person, even a curious child, from accessing that bag. Being unaware that you are transporting a loaded firearm has potential to be the first link in a potentially tragic chain of events. Guns can be transported on a flight if they are unloaded, packed in a locked, hard-sided case and declared to the airline. The airline will be sure that the gun travels with checked baggage in the belly of the plane, never in the cabin of the plane. Additionally, replica firearms also are prohibited in carry-on baggage and also must be transported in checked luggage. “Prior to traveling, individuals who want to transport their firearm should do some homework and check gun regulations at their destination to ensure they are in compliance with all local and state laws,” Busch advised. “We expect all travelers to start with an empty bag to ensure they know what is and is not inside. It’s also important to pack your own bag. I also strongly urge gun enthusiasts not to use their range bags as carry-ons when traveling. It’s a simple step that reduces the chance of a firearm or ammunition from entering our screening checkpoints.” TSA also recommends travelers check with their airline prior to their flight to ensure they comply with any airline-specific requirements for transporting firearms.

Federal civil penalties for bringing a handgun into a checkpoint can stretch into thousands of dollars, depending on mitigating circumstances. Among the factors TSA considers when determining the amount of the civil penalty include whether the firearm was loaded and whether there was accessible ammunition. Citations for carrying a weapon can reach $15,000. The complete list of civil penalties is posted online. Individuals who violate rules regarding traveling with guns will have Trusted Traveler status and TSA PreCheck® expedited screening benefits revoked.   

TSA has additional traveler information specifically related to the transportation of firearms and ammunition posted on its website .   TSA reminds passengers to always know the contents of their carry-on bag prior to coming to the security checkpoint. TSA has multiple resources available to passengers to help them determine whether an item is permitted in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, either or neither. Travelers can use the “Can I Bring?” feature on the TSA website or on the free downloadable myTSA app . Travelers can also tweet to @AskTSA or send a text message (275-872) if they have a travel question or are unsure if an item is allowed through security in a carry-on bag. Just snap a picture or send a question and get real-time assistance.

TSA firearms catches at airport checkpoints in the Baltimore/Washington region, 2016 to 2023.

JetBlue, Southwest planes nearly collide – experts warn of air traffic control fatigue

Two planes were cleared on a collision path at Washington Reagan National Airport on Thursday. Thankfully, air traffic controllers got both aircraft to stop before disaster struck.

JetBlue flight 1554 from Washington to Boston was cleared for takeoff, while Southwest flight 2937 to Orlando was cleared to cross the same runway.

The JetBlue plane had already begun its takeoff roll as the Southwest jet approached its path.

Air traffic controllers can be heard in a recording of the incident warning both planes to stop.

“JetBlue 1554, stop,” one controller said. “Southwest stop! Southwest 2937, stop!” another said.

In statements to USA TODAY, both airlines acknowledged the incident and said they would cooperate with any follow-up investigations.

The Federal Aviation Administration said it will investigate.

Issues in air traffic control

It’s just the latest in a string of close calls that experts say highlight the narrow margin of safety with an overworked pool of air traffic controllers.

A panel previously established by the FAA released a report Friday warning that air traffic controllers were at high risk of fatigue and encouraging the agency to update its scheduling policies to address the issue.

Under new rules that FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said will go into effect in 90 days, the agency will increase the rest period for air traffic controllers to 10 hours between shifts, up from nine, and will require a minimum 12-hour rest period before midnight shifts.

Whitaker said in a briefing about the report with journalists on Friday that the agency is also aware of understaffing throughout the system. Both problems contribute to concerns at the agency but are being handled separately.

“We’re understaffed throughout the population of controllers,” he said. “We have been doing everything within our power to increase controller hiring.” 

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].

FAA investigating near collision of two jets at Reagan National Airport

Dan Ronan | [email protected]

April 18, 2024, 10:01 PM

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The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed to WTOP it is investigating a near collision that occurred Thursday morning at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia.

Two passenger jets came within 400 feet of each other before controllers took last-minute evasive action and immediately stopped the two planes. It’s not clear why the jets were authorized to be on the same runway at the same time.

At 7:41 a.m., one controller frantically yelled, “JetBlue 1554 stop! 1554 stop!” This took place 30 seconds after JetBlue flight to Boston was cleared for takeoff and was on Runway 4, beginning its movement down the runway.

The plane was gaining speed when a controller frantically radioed to the crew of nearby Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 to immediately stop its movement. The Southwest flight bound for Orlando was moving close to the runway, and it appears the two planes were on a collision course.

“Southwest, stop! Southwest 2937, stop!” a controller yelled.

“JetBlue 1554, traffic holds off your right. Wind calm, Runway 4, cleared for takeoff,” another controller said. The JetBlue pilot acknowledged the air traffic controller and began the flight.

“Cleared for takeoff, Runway 4, JetBlue 1554,” the pilot replied.

Radio traffic then shows another unidentified voice urging an air traffic controller to stop the Southwest Airlines flight, after the JetBlue flight is moving and just before the controller issues her urgent call.

“Tell Southwest to stop,” the transmission states.

The Southwest flight had crossed what is called a “hold short line,” and the pilots stopped the plane before it crossed onto the runway. It ended up facing the oncoming JetBlue plane at an angle at the intersection.

The Southwest pilot replied: “We stopped. We were cleared to cross Runway 4.”

“We’re stopping, JetBlue 1554,” the pilots of that plane said.

“An air traffic controller instructed Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 to cross Runway 4 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport while JetBlue Flight 1554 was starting its takeoff roll on the same runway,” the FAA said in a statement emailed to WTOP. “The FAA will investigate.”

“This is very worrisome”

“This is unacceptably close,” retired Alaska Airlines captain and aviation safety analyst John Nance told WTOP. “We have a dichotomy between two controllers who did not have situational awareness of exactly who was doing what. This is very unusual, because they usually coordinate as seamlessly as possible.”

Nance said the JetBlue flight was moving at an estimated 34 knots, or 39 mph, before it stopped. The plane would become airborne at about 135 knots, about 45 seconds after first beginning its acceleration.

“This one is going to take some study. We were out of options in this case. The crew had minimal time,” he said.

Both the JetBlue and Southwest flights taxied back to different runways and, a short time later, departed to their respective destinations.

Nance emphasized that the system worked in preventing a collision. However, there were several breakdowns.

“There was no margin left, if there had been a failure to communicate to JetBlue and they were on a high-speed portion of their take off, they would not have been able to swerve, more than likely with someone entering the intersection at exactly that point,” Nance said.

“Had the controller failed to issue the warning, you might have easily had a collision. We have backup systems, sometimes they’re human and sometimes they’re mechanical, but when you run out of backup systems and one more problem is going to give you the high likelihood of a major collision, this is very worrisome,” he added.

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© 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

Weekend anchor Dan Ronan is an award-winning journalist with a specialty in business and finance reporting.

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A JetBlue plane bound for Boston's Logan Airport aborted takeoff on Thursday morning at Washington's Reagan National Airport after a Southwest Airlines plane encroached on the runway.

Radar and air traffic control communication reviewed by ABC News suggests one air traffic controller at Regan National Airport cleared JetBlue flight 1554 to take off just moments after a separate controller cleared Southwest 2937 to cross over the same runway.

Audio of air traffic control audio transmissions shows controllers telling the pilots of the planes to stop.

The two planes did not collide, but came approximately 400 feet apart, which is about the length of three airplanes.

The JetBlue plane had just begun its takeoff and was at a top speed of 34 mph when it aborted the takeoff.

A woman who was on that JetBlue flight to Boston described the moment the plane had to abort takeoff.

"We were on the runway taking flight and then they hit the brakes and we were rerouted back to the gate where they did their checks, informed us that there was potentially an issue with separation due to another flight," the passenger said.

"An air traffic controller instructed Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 to cross Runway 4 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport while JetBlue Flight 1554 was starting its takeoff roll on the same runway," the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed in a statement.

The event happened on Thursday, April 18, around 7:41 a.m. local time. The FAA will investigate.

"On Thursday, April 18, JetBlue flight 1554 with service from Washington, D.C. (DCA) to Boston (BOS) aborted take-off due to another aircraft attempting to cross the runway. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was inspected before ultimately taking off for Boston. Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will work closely with federal officials as this event is fully investigated," JetBlue said in a statement provided to ABC News.

"We are aware of the incident and are working with the FAA to fully understand the circumstances," Southwest said.

"In my opinion, this was a very serious situation because there was almost no margin for any further error," ABC aviation analyst John Nance said, describing how catastrophic this potentially could have been.

JetBlue flight 1554 was scheduled to leave Regan at 7:35 a.m., but records show it did not depart until 1:29 p.m. The flight arrived at Boston Logan at 2:46 p.m.

Southwest 2937 took off for Orlando just a few minutes after the runway incident.

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FAA lifts temporary ground stop of Alaska Airlines flights after technical issue is resolved

The Federal Aviation Administration lifted a ground stop for all Alaska Airlines flights Wednesday after grounding the planes earlier as a result of a computer problem at the carrier.

The Seattle-based airline said in a statement that an issue arose “while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance.”

The FAA initially approved a ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon flights starting at approximately 10:50 a.m. ET.

It was lifted just before 11:45 a.m. ET.

It wasn't immediately clear how many flights were affected. An Alaska spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.