The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly crossed a runway at Los Angeles International Airport while another flight was taking off. The plane, operated by Key Lime Air, was ordered by air traffic controllers to stop as a Delta aircraft took off, with no injuries reported. The FAA stated that the Key Lime Air flight was directed to hold short of crossing a runway, but proceeded to cross the hold bars before being told to stop by air traffic controllers.
A livestream capturing the incident shows an air traffic controller instructing the Key Lime Air flight to stop, with the flight complying and then proceeding after a brief pause. The Gonzaga men’s basketball team was in Los Angeles for a game against UCLA, which they ultimately lost. The university stated that they were unaware of the incident at the time and are grateful that it ended safely for all involved.
Key Lime Air did not immediately respond to media inquiries, while Los Angeles World Airports referred questions to the FAA. Delta Airlines, whose flight was taking off at the same time, stated that there were no problems with their aircraft and that they are cooperating with the investigation. The FAA will continue to investigate the incident to determine the cause and any potential safety implications.
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