The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a Southwest flight that veered off course while approaching New York’s LaGuardia Airport, possibly buzzing the air traffic control tower with minimal clearance. The incident occurred on March 23 when pilots aborted their first landing due to bad weather and were told to go around as they attempted a second approach. The plane had drifted to the east and was no longer lined up with the runway, prompting the controller to instruct them to climb to 2,000 feet. The FAA is looking into whether the plane flew over the 233-foot tall air traffic control tower during the off-course maneuver.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the plane over the terminal building rather than the runway, with its approximate track indicating it may have flown over the parking garage next to the air traffic control tower. The controller later informed the pilots that the plane was not aligned with the runway and was off course. Southwest Airlines reported that there were 147 passengers and six crew members on board the flight from Nashville. The airline stated that it is reviewing the incident as part of its safety protocols, citing turbulence and low visibility as factors during the approach to LaGuardia. The flight briefly diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Airport before eventually landing safely at LaGuardia.
The inclement weather at LaGuardia on the day of the incident led to multiple go-arounds, including JetBlue Flight 698 experiencing wind shear while attempting to land around the same time as Southwest Flight 147. The close call between the Southwest flight and the air traffic control tower highlights the potential dangers of aviation in adverse weather conditions. The FAA’s investigation will determine the exact sequence of events and any lapses in communication or procedures that may have contributed to the incident. Southwest Airlines will also conduct an internal review to ensure that safety protocols were followed and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role of air traffic controllers in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of flights into busy airports like LaGuardia. Pilots rely on timely and accurate instructions from controllers to navigate through challenging weather conditions and maintain proper alignment with runways during approach and landing. The potential misalignment of the Southwest flight highlights the need for constant vigilance and adherence to established procedures to prevent accidents or close calls in the airspace around airports.
The safety of passengers and crew members is paramount in aviation, and incidents like the one involving Southwest Flight 147 underscore the importance of effective communication and collaboration between pilots, air traffic controllers, and airline operators. By investigating the circumstances surrounding the off-course maneuver and potential tower buzz, the FAA aims to identify areas for improvement in safety protocols and training to enhance the overall safety of air travel. Southwest Airlines’ commitment to reviewing the event as part of its safety systems demonstrates the industry’s dedication to continuous improvement and learning from critical incidents to prevent future mishaps.
