A near-miss at Chicago Midway has shocked the aviation world. A Southwest Boeing 737-8H4 almost collided with a private Bombardier Challenger 3500 during landing.
The flight—Southwest 2504—departed Omaha early Tuesday. Video footage shows the aircraft aborting its landing as the Flexjet private jet cut into its path. The pilot touched down briefly before executing a rapid go-around. No injuries were reported.
“Every second counted,” said aviation safety consultant Michael Thompson. “The pilot’s split-second decision prevented a catastrophe.”
A Southwest spokesperson confirmed, “The crew followed all safety protocols, and our top priority is always the well-being of our passengers and staff.”
Chicago Midway is known for its tight runways and heavy traffic. The incident underscores the demands placed on pilots at one of America’s busiest low-cost airports.
This close call comes on the heels of a tragic mid-air collision in Arizona last week. There, a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II collided near Marana Regional Airport—a facility without a control tower—resulting in two fatalities. An NTSB official remarked, “These events remind us that aviation safety requires relentless vigilance.”
While Tuesday’s incident ended without harm, it serves as a stark warning. Both the airlines and federal regulators are expected to review procedures to prevent future mishaps.
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