Pilot avoids collision with airport truck at Charlotte Douglas
An American Airlines pilot slammed on the brakes Wednesday morning at Charlotte’s airport to keep away from hitting an airport truck that drove immediately into the aircraft’s path.
“That was really bad,” the pilot mentioned, based on air visitors management audio.
It occurred in a gate space adjoining to the terminal fairly than on a taxiway or runway, based on an announcement from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Officials reported no accidents or property harm, and airport operations continued with out interruption.
“Safety and security remain top priorities at CLT, and this incident is being reviewed in accordance with established safety standards,” airport officers mentioned.
The incident comes weeks after a deadly collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. On March 22, an Air Canada aircraft collided with a fireplace truck, ensuing within the deaths of two pilots and accidents to a number of others.
In the wake of Wednesday’s shut name, American Airlines emphasised that floor security procedures require all automobiles to yield to plane, significantly in lively ramp and alleyway environments the place visibility is commonly restricted.
“In this case, two vehicles associated with CLT did not yield to our aircraft taxiing from an alleyway, but our vigilant and professional crew took immediate action,” an American spokesperson mentioned. “We appreciate that CLT Airport will be reviewing this.”
The airline additionally highlighted Federal Aviation Administration right-of-way protocols. Because cockpit home windows provide a restricted visual view, it’s typically troublesome or unimaginable for pilots to identify automobiles and folks underneath the nostril or behind the wings.
American Airlines famous that drivers ought to by no means assume a pilot can see them, particularly in high-traffic areas resembling aprons and ramps, the place crews are occupied with essential preflight checks. The airline didn’t launch additional particulars concerning the particular flight concerned.
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