Full Breakdown
Near Miss at Louisville Airport: UPS Flight 1303 Avoids Collision
4/17/2026, 10:21:49 PM
Incident Overview
On April 14, 2026, at approximately 12:10 a.m., UPS Flight 1303, a Boeing 767-300F cargo jet, experienced a near miss at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The incident occurred when air traffic control instructed the flight to perform a "go-around" after a smaller aircraft, a Pilatus PC-12, entered the runway without authorization. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the required separation between the two aircraft was maintained, preventing any collision.
Context of the Incident
This near miss comes just five months after a tragic accident involving UPS Flight 2976, which crashed shortly after takeoff from the same airport, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals, including three crew members. The recent incident has raised concerns about air traffic safety at Louisville, which serves as a major hub for UPS, processing approximately 2 million packages daily.
Sequence of Events
During the incident, air traffic controllers were reportedly confused, with one controller heard shouting, “What are you doing?” as the smaller aircraft taxied onto the runway. Following the go-around maneuver, Flight 1303 successfully landed at 12:27 a.m., approximately 20 minutes after its initial landing attempt. UPS spokesperson Michelle Polk confirmed that the go-around was executed without operational impact.
Official Statements & Responses
The FAA confirmed that the go-around was necessary due to the unauthorized runway incursion. Michelle Polk stated, "There was no operational impact," emphasizing the successful handling of the situation by the flight crew and air traffic control.
Criticism & Opposition
While the FAA reported that the required separation was maintained, the incident has prompted discussions about air traffic control protocols and runway safety measures at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. Critics have pointed to the need for improved communication and stricter enforcement of runway access rules to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a lack of detailed information regarding the exact proximity of the two aircraft during the incident. While the FAA maintains that separation was upheld, eyewitness accounts and audio recordings from the control tower suggest a chaotic situation that could have led to a collision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What are you doing?” — Air Traffic Controller, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
- “there was no operational impact” — Michelle Polk, UPS Spokesperson
Conclusion
The near miss involving UPS Flight 1303 highlights ongoing safety concerns at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, particularly in light of the recent fatal crash. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the importance of stringent air traffic control measures to ensure the safety of both crew and passengers in the busy airspace.
