2 Southwest planes came within 500 feet in close call near Nashville airport
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Two Southwest Airlines flights nearly collided near Nashville International Airport when flight 507 aborted its landing due to gusty winds and was directed into the path of flight 1152, which was taking off from a parallel runway.
- Both planes' Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) issued commands for evasive maneuvers, preventing a collision as flight 1152 passed approximately 500 feet above flight 507.
- Both flights ultimately landed safely at their destinations, with Southwest Airlines praising the professionalism of its pilots and crews in handling the situation.
- The FAA confirmed that air traffic control instructions contributed to the near-miss and is currently investigating the incident.
- Aviation safety experts highlighted TCAS as a critical safety system that helps maintain safe separation between aircraft by issuing coordinated climb or descent commands to pilots.
