Frontier Jet Narrowly Avoids Collision with Trucks at LAX, Weeks After Deadly LaGuardia Crash
A Frontier Airlines jet came perilously close to colliding with two trucks that crossed in front of it on a taxiway at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this week, sparking fresh concerns over airport ground safety. The incident occurred just weeks after a fatal crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport, highlighting ongoing risks in aviation operations.
Pilot's Alarmed Response and Close Call
The Frontier pilot was clearly alarmed, using an expletive as he reported to the tower that he had to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision late Wednesday. In audio posted by ATC.com, the pilot stated, "It was real close. The closest I have ever seen." The incident happened around 11:25 p.m. on a taxiway where the plane was moving slowly, typically at speeds of about 15 mph (24 kph). No injuries were reported, but the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the event.
Frontier Airlines issued a statement thanking the crew for their vigilance and professionalism. According to the FAA, several vehicles on a service road crossed in front of the plane, prompting the emergency braking. Airport officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the specific procedures in place to prevent such collisions or the details of what transpired.
Context of Recent Aviation Incidents
This near-miss follows a tragic crash on March 22, when an Air Canada jet carrying 76 people collided with a fire truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport. That accident resulted in the deaths of both pilots and injuries to dozens of passengers. In that case, an air traffic controller had cleared the fire truck to cross the runway less than 20 seconds before the collision, with frantic calls to stop issued seconds later.
The LAX incident appears to have occurred in an area where planes communicate with air traffic controllers about their movements, but ground vehicles are simply expected to yield to aircraft. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current safety protocols and coordination between ground and air operations.
Expert Insights on Taxiway Safety
Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo, a former longtime United Airlines pilot, noted that such incidents happen daily on taxiways across the United States but often go unnoticed because collisions are avoided. He emphasized that the issue deserves more attention, stating, "Multiple incidents, accidents happening, just in March alone, I think it’s time to put some serious eyes on what’s going on on the ramp."
Arroyo's comments underscore a broader concern in the aviation industry regarding ground vehicle management and runway safety. With two high-profile incidents in quick succession, there is growing pressure on authorities to review and enhance safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
The investigation by the FAA will likely focus on the actions of the ground vehicles and the communication protocols between pilots and controllers. As these events unfold, they serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of vigilance in all aspects of airport operations to ensure passenger and crew safety.
