The shocking rise in aircraft near-miss incidents in the United States shows no signs of slowing down. Recently, two Southwest Airlines aircraft were involved in another such incident at San Diego Airport.

Runway Close Call

Around 8:40 am on October 11th, two Southwest Airlines Boeing 737s came in close proximity to each other at San Diego International Airport (SAN).

First, San Diego ATC cleared WN785, a Boeing 737-700, to cross Runway 9/27 at Taxiway Bravo 6. The aircraft was registered N262WN and was headed to Phoenix (PHX).

However, right after Flight 785 was cleared to cross the runway, a different controller cleared another Southwest aircraft for takeoff on that same runway.

That was Southwest Flight WN1478 to Dallas Love Field (DAL) operated by N8551Q, a 737-800.

Flight 1478 began its takeoff roll on Runway 27 before soon being told to abort its takeoff by ATC. The entire communication sequence went as follows:

SAN Ground: "Southwest 785 cross 27 on Bravo 6, continue taxiing via [Taxiway] Charlie."

WN785: "Clear to cross 27 at Bravo 6, continue taxiing via Charlie, Southwest 785."

SAN Ground (Different Controller): "Southwest 1478 clear for takeoff."

WN1478: "On 27, clear for takeoff, Southwest 1478."

SAN Ground: "Southwest 1478 cancel takeoff clearance."

WN1478: "Say again?"

SAN Ground: "Cancel takeoff plans for Southwest 1478."

WN1478: "Southwest 1478 is rejecting."

SAN Ground: "Southwest 785 hold position."

WN785: "Hold position, Southwest 785. We're past the hold short line."

SAN Ground: "Roger, just hold position please."

One passenger on Flight 1478 told CBS 8 news that the pilot abruptly slammed on the brakes. The 737 safely vacated the runway but given the abrupt braking, its brakes and fuel would have to be checked before departing again.

Southwest Flight 1478 ended up departing over two and a half hours late for Dallas after its brakes and fuel levels were checked.

How Did This Happen?

The investigation is still ongoing but it is important to note some details about the incident.

Firstly, Southwest 785 was instructed to cross Runway 9/27, San Diego's only runway, via Taxiway B6. If you look at a diagram of San Diego Airport, you will see that this taxiway takes you across the runway to the north ramp and air cargo area.

Reportedly, it is unusual for normal commercial flights to take such a route on their way to the runway. Usually, departures from Runway 27 would proceed on Taxiway Bravo from the terminal ramp to the Runway 27 threshold.

There has been a noticeable rise in aviation near-miss incidents around the world but particularly in the United States. Such a trend has raised concerns about the current staffing levels of air traffic controllers and how much current controllers are at risk for burnout.

The Federal Aviation Administration has constantly noted a massive shortage in air traffic controllers, one whose effects are being felt every day.

Not too long ago, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 and American Airlines Boeing 777 had a near-miss at JFK prompting a lengthy investigation. Just days before this incident in San Diego, an Alaska Airlines Embraer E175 had a mid-air close call with a wildfire air tanker in Oregon.

In August 2023, another Southwest 737 had a near-miss with a Cessna Citation business jet at San Diego. The airport has just one runway and itself is operating over capacity, leading some to believe that an even worse incident could occur soon.