NTSB, FAA launch investigation into runway collision after Nashville incident

Another close calls between two commercial airliners on a Nashville runway has prompted a new investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration.

An Alaska Airlines pilot had to apply the brakes during takeoff at about 120 miles per hour and stopped on the runway to avoid a possible collision Thursday morning with a Southwest Airlines plane. NTSB announced the investigation in a post on X Thursday.

According to the FAA, the pilot of Alaska Airlines flight 369 aborted takeoff when the Southwest plane managed to cross the end of the same runway.

“The Alaska aircraft, bound for Seattle, had received clearance for takeoff from Air Traffic Control,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement statement. “We are grateful for the expertise of our pilots who immediately applied the brakes to prevent the incident from escalating.”

Although no injuries were reported from the 176 passengers or six crew members, they said it felt like being hit in a car accident.

The Boeing 737 Max “reported blown tires during braking,” according to the FAA, which the Seattle-based airline added was from the extreme heat that built up during the abrupt stop.

Southwest has said it was in contact with the FAA and NTSB and will participate in the agencies’ investigation.

This comes on the heels of another incident in Atlanta earlier this week when a Delta plane carrying more than 200 passengers crashed into the back of a smaller regional jet on the taxiway, ripping off the tail.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.