Full Breakdown
Investigation Launched into Close Call at Newark Liberty International Airport
3/21/2026, 7:05:10 AM
Incident Overview
On the evening of March 17, 2026, a significant aviation incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport, where an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 overflew a FedEx Boeing 777 while both aircraft were attempting to land on intersecting runways. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are currently investigating the event, which has raised concerns about air traffic control operations at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Sequence of Events
At approximately 8:15 p.m. local time, Alaska Airlines Flight 294, arriving from Portland, Oregon, was instructed by air traffic control to perform a "go-around" maneuver. This directive was issued because FedEx Flight 721, a cargo plane arriving from Memphis, Tennessee, had been cleared for a final approach to an intersecting runway. The Alaska Airlines flight climbed from an altitude of 300 to 325 feet as it passed over the FedEx aircraft, which continued its approach and landed safely.
Official Statements
Both airlines have issued statements regarding the incident. Alaska Airlines emphasized that their pilots are "highly trained" for go-around procedures, which are considered routine in aviation. FedEx confirmed that its flight crew followed air traffic control instructions and landed without incident. The FAA noted that it investigates most airspace incidents, while the NTSB focuses on significant close calls, such as this one.
Background and Context
This incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of air traffic control operations in the United States, particularly following a series of serious close-call incidents in 2023 that prompted congressional hearings. These hearings raised questions about the FAA's staffing and operational capabilities, leading to calls for improvements in safety protocols. The FAA has since implemented measures to enhance air traffic control operations, which have been affected by staffing shortages.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have pointed to the ongoing issues with air traffic control staffing and equipment at Newark Liberty International Airport, suggesting that these systemic problems may have contributed to the close call. The incident has reignited discussions about the safety performance of the FAA, especially in light of a previous mid-air collision in January 2025 that resulted in significant casualties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While preliminary data indicates that the two aircraft were separated by approximately 300 feet vertically during the incident, there is no consensus on the exact details of the separation. Investigators are expected to analyze additional data, including radar altimeter readings, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the close call.
What's Next
The NTSB and FAA investigations are ongoing, with officials expected to release findings that may lead to further recommendations for improving air traffic safety at Newark Liberty International Airport and beyond. The aviation community is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds, given the implications for air travel safety standards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Air traffic control issued a go-around to our aircraft, which our pilots are highly trained for.” — Alaska Airlines
- “following instructions from air traffic control, the flight crew of FedEx flight 721 landed safely without incident at Newark Liberty International Airport.” — FedEx
