Investigation Continues After Near Collision on JFK's Runway

by RocklandDaily Staff

An investigation has been launched into a close call at JFK airport on  Friday night when an airplane crossing a runway was nearly hit by another airplane preparing for takeoff.

An Air Traffic Control panicked when at 8:45 p.m.,  he noticed the plane, operated by American Airlines, crossing in front of a departing Delta Air Lines Boeing 737. 

The Delta plane made an abrupt stop about 1,000 feet from the American Airlines plane, which continued on its way. The Delta flight returned to the gate, and the 145 passengers were required to deplane as their flight was canceled. They were provided overnight accommodations and flew to the Santa Domingo Airport the next morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the circumstances that led to the near miss.