A chartered jet carrying the Gonzaga basketball team had a narrow escape on the runway when a Delta plane, which was preparing for takeoff, nearly collided with the aircraft. The incident occurred as the team’s plane was taxiing for departure, and the Delta aircraft began its takeoff roll on the same runway.
According to reports, the pilot of the chartered plane, realizing the imminent danger, urgently instructed the crew to stop, shouting, “Stop, stop, stop!” The quick action by the pilot and crew prevented what could have been a disastrous collision. Thankfully, the team’s plane halted in time, avoiding any impact, and both aircraft eventually resumed their respective journeys without further incident.
The close call was a shocking moment for everyone on board, including players, staff, and the flight crew. The Gonzaga basketball team, traveling for a scheduled game, was shaken by the near-miss but relieved that the situation did not escalate into an accident. No injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reportedly investigating the incident to determine the cause of the close call and to assess any potential violations of air traffic control procedures. The FAA will also review the coordination between air traffic control and the aircraft involved to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.
While incidents like these are rare, they highlight the importance of vigilant communication and swift decision-making in aviation. For the Gonzaga basketball team, the close call served as a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change, even in the air. As investigations continue, both the airline and the authorities will likely implement stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
