NTSB Recommends Better Warning Systems in JFK Near Miss Report
New York, NY
– The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a report on a near-miss incident between two aircraft at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in 2021. The report recommends improvements to warning systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Incident:
On February 21, 2021, a Boeing 737 operated by Delta Air Lines was cleared for takeoff from JFK Runway 31L. As the 737 taxied onto the runway, an Airbus A321 operated by American Airlines was given clearance to depart from the adjacent Runway 4L, which intersects with Runway 31L. The 737 crew initially observed the A321 on the parallel runway but did not see it when they began their takeoff roll. The A321 crew also failed to notice the 737 on Runway 31L. As a result, the two aircraft came within 100 feet of colliding on the intersecting runways. Both aircraft aborted their takeoffs and returned to the terminal.
NTSB Findings:
The NTSB investigation determined that the near miss was caused by a combination of factors, including: *
Inadequate visual cues:
The taxiway and runway signs were difficult to see at night, especially from the A321’s elevated cockpit. *
Lack of visual separation:
The aircraft were only separated by a grassy area, which was difficult to distinguish in the darkness. *
Missed warnings:
The A321’s Runway Awareness and Alerting System (RAAS) did not provide an adequate warning about the 737 on the intersecting runway.
Recommendations:
Based on its findings, the NTSB recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): *
Enhance Runway Awareness and Alerting Systems:
Improve the accuracy and effectiveness of RAAS and other warning systems to alert pilots about potential runway conflicts. *
Improve Visual Cues:
Make taxiway and runway signs more visible, especially at night. *
Consider Physical Barriers:
Explore the feasibility of installing physical barriers between intersecting runways to reduce the risk of runway incursions.
FAA Response:
The FAA has stated that it will review the NTSB recommendations and consider implementing enhancements to warning systems and visual cues at JFK and other airports. The agency has also emphasized the importance of pilot communication and situational awareness in preventing future runway incursions.
Conclusion:
The NTSB’s report on the JFK near miss highlights the importance of robust warning systems and clear visual cues in preventing runway conflicts. The FAA’s response to the recommendations will be critical in enhancing safety at JFK and other airports nationwide.
NTSB Recommends Better Warning Systems in JFK Near Miss Report
Summary:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a report on a near miss incident that occurred at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in January 2023. The report identifies several areas where the airport’s warning systems could be improved to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Details:
* On January 13, 2023, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 aborted takeoff after another Delta 737 crossed the same runway in front of it. * The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers cleared the crossing 737 for takeoff before the aborting 737 was in position to depart. * The NTSB’s investigation found that the airport’s current warning systems did not provide controllers with sufficient information to identify the potential conflict between the two aircraft. * The report recommends that the FAA require JFK to install new warning systems that would alert controllers to conflicts between aircraft on intersecting runways. * The upgrades would include an integrated ground surveillance and alerting system, as well as enhanced displays that would provide controllers with a clearer view of runway activity.
Statement from NTSB Chairman:
NTSB Chairman Jennifer Homendy said, “This near miss highlights the need for improved warning systems at JFK and other airports. We are recommending technological upgrades that will enhance the situational awareness of controllers and help prevent these dangerous incidents.”
Response from JFK and the FAA:
JFK Airport and the FAA have both responded to the NTSB’s recommendations. JFK has stated that it is committed to improving its warning systems and will work with the FAA to implement the necessary upgrades. The FAA has indicated that it will review the NTSB’s recommendations and evaluate potential improvements to its own systems.
Significance:
The NTSB’s recommendations emphasize the importance of investing in advanced technologies that can enhance safety in the air traffic system. The upgrades at JFK would serve as a model for other airports around the country, helping to reduce the risk of similar near misses and accidents in the future.