NASHVILLE, Tenn. — For the second time in three days, two planes came very close to colliding with each other at major U.S. airports, prompting a nationally recognized aviation attorney to call for more air traffic controllers on duty to prevent such incidents.
On April 20, Republic Airways Flight 4464 left Indianapolis at 12:40 p.m., when it missed its initial approach at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. When it tried again, the plane appeared to be heading toward Jazz Aviation Flight 554, which left from Toronto and attempted to land on a parallel runway. At 2:35 p.m. local time, the Republic flight performed a go-around maneuver, making a sharp left to avoid the other plane.
The planes — both Embraer ERJ 175 twin-engine jets — came within less than 400 feet of each other, but were able to land safely.
This isn’t the first time this has happened. On April 18, Southwest Airlines Flight 507, arriving from Myrtle Beach, was forced to abort its landing due to severe wind conditions. During the go-around maneuver, pilots were directed by air traffic control to turn right — placing the aircraft on a potential collision course with Southwest Flight 1152, which was preparing for departure to Knoxville.
According to flight tracking data, the two aircraft came within an estimated 500 feet of each other before Flight 507 took evasive action to avoid a midair conflict.
Keith Williams of Keith Williams Law Group says lack of proper staffing caused the two planes to nearly collide, just like what happened in Nashville. Williams said Nashville Airport is one of the 30 busiest airports in the U.S., but the least staffed. “That’s less than 54% staffed,” Williams said. “There is no room for mistakes up there.”
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident at JFK Airport.
“The agency should take a look at whether the air traffic control tower was sufficiently staffed,” Williams said. “They shouldn’t have to pull double duty like the controller in Nashville who was handling both arrivals and departures. Those are two separate controller positions.”
Williams said safety comes down to proper staffing. “It’s all about the number of people in the tower — bottom line!” he said.
In addition to his practice, Williams is the Past Chair of the American Association for Justice’s Aviation Litigation Section, and he is a member of the Aviation and Space Law Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Williams is also a member and past president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association.
For more information, call (615) 444-2900 or visit www.keithwilliamslawgroup.com.
