NTSB investigates ‘close call’ between two planes at Logan Airport as FAA faces scrutiny – Boston News, Weather, Sports

BOSTON (WHDH) – Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board are now investigating the “close encounter” between two planes at Logan International Airport on Monday, while the Federal Aviation Administration is being investigated by officials in Washington.

An FAA spokesman said, based on a preliminary investigation, it was around 7 p.m. Monday when a Learjet 60 allegedly took off without authorization just as a JetBlue passenger jet was preparing to land on an intersecting runway.

“An air traffic controller directed the Learjet pilot to queue and wait on runway 9 while the JetBlue Embraer 190 landed on runway 4-right, which intersects runway 9,” the spokesman said in a statement. “The Learjet pilot read the instructions clearly, but instead began a takeoff run.”

According to the FAA, the JetBlue Embraer 190 pilot undertook “evasive maneuvers” and initiated a “climb-out” as the Learjet proceeded through the intersection.

As the FAA investigation continues, the spokesman said officials are currently determining how close the two planes were to each other during the incident.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden’s FAA nominee Phil Washington faced tough safety questions at his confirmation hearing.

“When I look at your file, I see a balance sheet where you have experience with buses, you have experience with trains, buses, and trains are very different from planes,” Senator Ted Cruz said.

Washington has worked in road and rail transportation for decades but less than two years in aviation as CEO of Denver International Airport. However, he says he is ready to take responsibility.

“I will recognize well-intentioned failure, and FAA officials will hold onto their success,” Washington said.

This incident at Logan is one of five close calls this year involving an airliner on the runway.

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