FAA investigates a close call between Southwest plane and LaGuardia’s air traffic control tower
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating why a Southwest Airlines plane veered off course and had a close call with an air traffic control tower during an attempted landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, CNN reported.
The incident happened around 1 p.m. on March 23 when Southwest Flight 147 aborted its first approach to the airport because of bad weather.
“Go around! Go around,” the air traffic controller is heard saying on ATC radio communication.
“Continue climbing,” the air traffic controller said about 12 seconds later. “You were — not on the approach.”
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Southwest Airlines said the flight encountered turbulence and low visibility as it approached LaGuardia. The company said it is looking into the incident.
“We are reviewing the event as part of our Safety systems,” Southwest said in a written statement.
The flight was diverted to Baltimore, where it landed safely, the FAA said.
The incident comes as the FAA has launched several investigations into near-collisions at US airports since last year.
An expert panel assembled to address the issue identified multiple issues contributing to the incidents, including inconsistent funding, outdated technology, short-staffed air traffic control towers and onerous training requirements.
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