The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a private plane carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly overran the runway as another flight took off Friday from Los Angeles International Airport.
The plane operated by Key Lime Air was ordered by air traffic controllers to stop as the Delta flight took off. No one is hurt.
“Air traffic controllers ordered Key Lime Air Flight 563 to delay crossing the runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second flight was departing the runway at the time,” the FAA said in a statement. “When the Embraer E135 flew over the runway, air traffic controllers told the pilots to stop. The plane did not cross the runway.”
A live stream of the flight showing the incident and recorded audio of an air traffic controller telling the Key Lime Air plane to “stop, stop, stop.” The plane stopped quickly, then continued after a few seconds.
Gonzaga was in Los Angeles for its game against UCLA on Saturday. No. 19 Gonzaga lost to the 15th-ranked Bruins 65-62 in the first college basketball game played at the Intuit Dome, the new home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.
No. 14 Gonzaga Bulldogs vs. No. 22 UCLA Bruins Highlights | CBB on FOX
“We understand that the incident at LAX is under investigation and will update this information as it becomes available,” the university said in an email Monday afternoon. “The members of our team who were on the plane were not aware of the situation as it happened and we are thankful that the incident ended safely for all.”
Gonzaga played at Pepperdine on Monday.
Key Lime Air did not immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment Monday. Los Angeles World Airports referred media inquiries to the FAA, and a Delta spokeswoman said there were no problems with its flight.
“Delta flight 471 operated as normal, and we are not aware of any communications with the FAA regarding this flight. We are cooperating with airline officials in their investigation,” the airline said in an email.
It is reported by the Associated Press.
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