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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Josh Funk

Automated tracking system prevents plane collision

  • A private jet and a Southwest Airlines plane narrowly avoided a collision at San Diego airport in August 2023, coming within 100 feet of each other on the runway.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its final findings, attributing the near-miss to distracted air traffic controllers and their supervisor.
  • The controller was distracted by attempting to correct the altitude of an unrelated plane, while the supervisor was troubleshooting a printer issue instead of using a backup.
  • A crucial automated tracking system for ground movements alerted the controller to the potential conflict, allowing the private jet to execute a go-around and prevent a crash.
  • This incident intensifies growing concerns over aviation safety, following a series of recent accidents and near-misses.

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