FAA Investigates Near-Miss Between FedEx, Alaska Jets at Newark

Federal Investigation Into Near-Collision

Federal investigators have launched an inquiry into a near-collision incident involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 777 at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 17. Air traffic controllers ordered the passenger flight to abort its landing seconds before touchdown as the cargo aircraft proceeded with its approach on an intersecting runway. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the Alaska plane cleared the FedEx aircraft by approximately 300 feet during the maneuver.

Sequence of Events and Investigation

Alaska Airlines Flight 294 was carrying 171 passengers when it received a go-around instruction at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time. Meanwhile, FedEx Flight 721 had been cleared for final approach to the intersecting runway from Memphis. The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA are investigating the timing of the clearance to determine if procedural adjustments are necessary.

Context and Staffing Challenges

This incident occurs amid reported staffing shortages at Newark, one of the nation's busiest airports. Air traffic control systems have faced additional pressure during periods of reduced controller availability. Officials note that while go-arounds are routine safety procedures, such close calls highlight the complexities of managing intersecting runways under high traffic volumes.