Runway Incursions

  Runway Incursions

   On January 13, 2023, Delta 1943 had to abort their takeoff due to an American Airlines plane crossing the runway they were taking off of. The American Airlines plane had been cleared to cross runway 31 left, but instead crossed runway 4 left where the Delta plane had been cleared to takeoff. This took place at JFK International Airport, where runway 31 left and runway 4 left intersect each other. Once the air traffic controllers noticed American Airlines crossing the wrong runway, they told Delta 1943 to abort their takeoff clearance and told American 106 to hold in position. Delta 1943 was able to slow down in time to avoid a collision and had to taxi back to their gate to perform checks. If it weren't for the air traffic controllers and Delta pilots quick reaction time, this could have been a catastrophe.

  A runway incursion is "any occurrence at an aerodrome involving the incorrect presence of an aircraft, vehicle or person on the protected area of a surface designated for the landing and take off of aircraft." (FAA, 2022)  Runway incursions have become a common occurrence with a total of 1,732 reports in 2022, and 566 reported already in 2023. With that being said, what can air traffic controllers and pilots do to prevent this from happening? Pilots should always have an airport diagram to be more aware of where they are and to prevent going on active runways without clearance. They must also listen carefully to all ATC instructions, write down clearances, and read back any instructions ATC gives. Air traffic controllers should be aware of all the planes they are controlling on the ground, give clear and precise instructions, and make sure those planes are following instructions. 

References: 

FAA. (2023, February 23). Runway Incursion Totals for FY 2023. Runway incursion totals for FY 2023. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/statistics/regional/

FAA. (2023, February 23). Runway Incursion Totals for FY 2022. Runway incursion totals for FY 2022. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/statistics/regional/?fy=2022

FAA. (n.d.). Runway incursions. Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/resources/runway_incursions 

Newman, A., & Albeck-ripka, L. (2023, January 16). 'delta 1943, cancel takeoff': Wrong turn results in near miss at J.F.K. The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/15/us/jfk-planes-delta-american-faa.html

Runway Safety. Runway Safety | Federal Aviation Administration. (2009). Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety

Schlappig, B. (2023, February 28). American 777 & Delta 737 nearly collide on JFK Runway. One Mile at a Time. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://onemileatatime.com/news/american-777-delta-737-nearly-collide-jfk-runway/ 

VASAviation. (2023, January 15). Near collision between departing and Taxiing Aircraft at JFK. YouTube. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N1gDSZJ5s0