Transportation

FAA investigating after Boston-bound JetBlue flight involved in near collision

The JetBlue flight was aborted at take-off after another plane was cleared to cross the runway at the same time.

Seth Wenig

By Emily Spatz

1 minute to read

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after a Boston-bound JetBlue plane and a Southwest plane almost collided on a D.C. runway Thursday morning, officials said. 

JetBlue flight 1554 was taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at about 7:41 a.m. when a Southwest Airlines plane attempted to cross the same runway, the FAA said in a statement. 

An air traffic controller had instructed the Southwest plane to cross the runway at the same time the JetBlue plane was starting a takeoff roll, according to the F.A.A.

The JetBlue plane was at a top speed of 34 miles an hour when it aborted take-off, WCVB reported.

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“No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was inspected before ultimately taking off for Boston,” JetBlue said in a statement. “Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will work closely with federal officials as this event is fully investigated.”

The JetBlue flight was scheduled to take off at 7:45 a.m. but was delayed by five hours, tracking data shows. The Southwest flight took off and landed on time. 

“We are aware of the incident and are working with the FAA to fully understand the circumstances,” Southwest said.

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