Two catastrophic airline disasters in the space of 3 days narrowly averted as controllers apparently not up to the job

American Thinker ^ | 23 Apr, 2024 | Thomas Lifson

[MtnClimber]

Are you aware that there have been two near-catastrophes at major American airports (DC Reagan and NY JFK) where airplanes were cleared to cross runways as another airplane was taking off?

A runway collision on takeoff is almost by definition the deadliest form of airline disaster, since two or more airplanes, at least one fueled up for the coming journey, collide at takeoff speed, likely engulfing them in fireballs. That is how the deadliest airline disaster in history, happened in Tenerife, killing 583 people.

The first incident took place last Thursday, April 18, at Reagan National Airport when the tower controller ordered a Southwest jet to cross a runway as a Jet Blue plane was taking off. You can watch the movements and hear the radio conversation, including the panic in the tower as the imminent disaster was spotted, in this tweet:

southwest + jetblue planes nearly collided on the runway at Reagan airport in DC today

A mere 3 days later, at JFK Airport, a Swiss Airlines jumbo jet was at the end of the runway cleared for takeoff when multiple airliners, including a Delta jumbo jet were cleared to cross the runway. Watch and listen:

So, how could these incidents be taking place? And why now?

It’s almost as if less qualified personnel have been hired and placed in positions of critical responsibility. But could such a thing be possible?

While we don’t know anything about the people involved in these incidents, it is fair to wonder if DEI policies, which lower standards to place less qualified people in jobs, had anything to do with it.

[MtnClimber]

Wokeism and DEI has “flushed” merit down the toilet.

[Gay State Conservative]

Didn't Earn It

[Pontiac]

Obama’s fault

[HIDEK6]

… it is fair to wonder if DEI policies, which lower standards to place less qualified people in jobs, had anything to do with it.

Ya think?

[jeffersondem]

I have to fly next month.

I dread it.

[jdt1138]

Everyone in aviation saw this coming.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Lots of good data about performance on Air Traffic Controller exams here...

Think Twice Before You Fly
A “diverse” air traffic controller could kill you.
By Jared Taylor
November 17, 2023

[ProtectOurFreedom]

"...it is fair to wonder if DEI policies, which lower standards to place less qualified people in jobs, had anything to do with it."

What a RACIST to even THINK that!! (jk, folks)

[silverleaf]

The voice tapes do offer clues to the ethnicity of the controllers, fwiw

[xoxox]

zoinks.

[ridesthemiles]

DRIVE

I WOULD NOT GET ON AN AIRPLANE NOW FOR ANYTHING.

[ridesthemiles]

DRIVE

I WOULD NOT GET ON AN AIRPLANE NOW FOR ANYTHING.

OR TAKE A TRAIN

[Secret Agent Man]

Thank Christ I don’t fly in planes anymore.

[xkaydet65]

Well if these folks are as good at controlling air traffic in the NY/NJ are as they are driving in and out of their Westbury LI facility then I think I’ll stick to mt Sonata for trips.

[TalBlack]

“That is how the deadliest airline disaster in history, happened in Tenerife, killing 583 people.“

It’s ironic as hell that that accident was precipitated by a top flight Capt. who became impatient.

[MachIV]

I flew some in 1998 and have never flown again. Hopefully, I never will have to ever again.

[Gay State Conservative]

There were several important factors involved...the KLM captain,the fog,the number of large aircraft at that small airport,the outdated radio system...

[Mr. Jeeves]

Well, the pilots aren’t morons. Yet. The Swiss pilots at JFK in the second example saw what was happening and canceled their takeoff roll immediately. The real danger will come later, when DEI flight crews become predominant.

[mabarker1]

If I can’t drive there then I’ll just have to contact My Private ride if She’s not busy.