An American Airlines flight destined for Bermuda rapidly aborted its takeoff at Miami International Airport on Friday after a business jet unexpectedly entered the active runway. The incident brought the two aircraft within approximately one-third of a mile of each other.
While air traffic control (ATC) was directing runway movements, a potentially catastrophic accident was averted primarily by the vigilance of the American Airlines cockpit crew, who relied on visual confirmation rather than solely on their instruments.
Miscommunication on the Tarmac
Audio recordings from air traffic control captured the moments surrounding the near collision, which occurred around 6 p.m. ET.
“You just crossed an active runway,” an ATC agent informed the pilot of the business jet immediately following the event.
The pilot responded, asserting they had received clearance:
“You just told me to cross the runway, sir.”
The controller quickly clarified:
“No, we said Amerijet 461.”
ATC audio confirms that American Airlines Flight 308 had been cleared for takeoff on runway 8R. However, the business jet, identified as NetJets Flight EJA434 and reportedly operated by a third-party maintenance vendor, apparently misinterpreted a clearance intended for another aircraft as its own.
Specific instructions from controllers included:
- “RNAV Jamba clear for takeoff 8R, American 308.”
- “Amerijet 461, cross runway eight left, hold short of runway eight right.”
- “Four Quebec Sierra, you just crossed an active runway: Hold short of runway eight left,” another controller urgently warned.
American Airlines Flight 308 eventually departed Miami for Bermuda, arriving about two hours behind schedule, according to tracking data from FlightAware.
Growing Concerns Over Runway Incidents
This alarming occurrence takes place as airports are preparing for significantly increased travel volumes ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend. It also adds to a troubling series of recent close calls involving commercial aircraft and runway traffic.
In March, a notable incident involved an Air Canada flight that crash-landed after an emergency vehicle reportedly crossed an active runway. Air traffic control was heard urgently instructing the vehicle to “stop, stop, stop.” The event resulted in a fiery crash, leaving two pilots deceased and 42 individuals injured.
More recently, a United Airlines flight reported a near miss with a drone on Friday while on approach to Newark Liberty International Airport. The pilot indicated the aircraft “almost hit a drone,” which was estimated to be approximately 100 feet below the plane. The United flight landed without incident, and passengers disembarked normally.
Just last week, an American Airlines plane and a Delta jet were involved in a close encounter at Boston Logan International Airport. Aviation experts estimated the two aircraft came within roughly 300 feet of each other, as reported by the New York Post.
