Incident Overview

In a heart-stopping incident on Friday, the Gonzaga men's basketball team narrowly escaped disaster at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Their private jet nearly collided with a Delta flight during a hectic moment on the runway, leaving fans and officials alike reeling from the close call.

Details of the Flight

Fresh from a narrow 65-62 defeat against UCLA at the Intuit Dome, the Gonzaga Bulldogs boarded their private aircraft at LAX. As the small jet began to cross the runway, a commercial Delta flight was in the midst of taking off. Eyewitness video footage shows that the Gonzaga jet only stopped inches away from what could have been a catastrophic collision as the larger aircraft surged skyward.

Air Traffic Control Response

Audio from air traffic control captured the urgency of the moment, with controllers loudly instructing the Gonzaga flight to “stop, stop, stop.” Fortunately, the quick responses from the pilots prevented tragedy, and fortunately, no one was harmed during the incident.

Official Statements

In an official statement to the Associated Press, Gonzaga University expressed immense relief that the situation did not escalate further. “We are grateful that the worst-case scenario was avoided and that everyone aboard the aircraft is safe,” the school stated. They added that their team members were unaware of the imminent danger as it unfolded, highlighting the previously unknown risks that accompany private travel.

FAA Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively investigating how such a serious mishap could occur during a routine flight operation. In light of the incident, they aim to enhance safety measures to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, a Delta spokesperson conveyed the airline's commitment to cooperating fully with aviation officials as the investigation progresses.

Broader Implications

This shocking event raises critical questions about air traffic safety and awareness, especially in high-traffic airports like LAX. Airport authorities are now under scrutiny to ensure that proper protocols are in place to maintain safety for passengers and aircraft alike.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this alarming near-miss in aviation history!