Two Southwest Airlines planes came dangerously close to each other near Nashville International Airport, triggering cockpit alarms and both crews taking evasive action.
According to the airline, the incident occurred Saturday when Southwest Flight 507 from Myrtle Beach was attempting to land in windy conditions while Flight 1152 was departing from the parallel runway.
Flight 507 aborted its landing as a precaution and was instructed to turn right, bringing it into the path of the departing aircraft.
“The crew received instructions from air traffic control to divert the flight into the path of other airplanes,” the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.
Collision warning systems were activated in both cockpits, instructing the pilots to take immediate action.
Air traffic audio shows that both crews followed those instructions.
Tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that the planes were separated vertically by only about 500 feet at their closest point.
Despite the near misses, both flights continued safely. Flight 1152 headed for Knoxville, while Flight 507 landed successfully in Nashville on its second attempt.
A Southwest spokesperson said, “We are engaging with the FAA as part of the investigation.”
“Southwest appreciates the professionalism of its pilots and flight crew in responding to the incident. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees.”
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
