FlexJet - SWA Runway Incursion MDW 2/25/2025

[RyanShort1]

Not to cut slack where it isn't deserved, but distractions can turn radio transmissions into an issue - like the apparent partial blockage of the radio transmission for the Blackhawk crew in the midair. It will be interesting if anything ever comes out to read what might have contributed.

 

[3393RP]

The same video in YouTube format with sound gives a better representation of the incident.

The SWA crew anticipated and reacted early. The GA was rock steady, and nicely done.

 

[Hunter Handsfield]

As usual, Juan Browne (Broncolirio) has a detailed and enlightening report:

HHH, MD

 

[Warmi]

Something like Garmin safe-taxi would have been very helpful here since it sounds like they perhaps confused 31R with 31C ..

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

That's the most maze-like piece of concrete I've ever been on.
Wasn't the FAA looking into a cockpit taxiway guidance system that depicted your cleared route, including 'hold-shorts' at one time?

 

[luvflyin]

One thing pointed out on another board, there are no hold short markings on Runway 4L at either Runway 31L or 31C. Still doesn't absolve the Flexjet crew, but is a contributing factor.

Using 4L as a taxiway honestly seems like poor procedure, lack of these markings for one. The FAA in Airport Design discourages taxiway crosses near the "high speed" portion of the runway, approximately the center third or half. There isn't a parallel to 4L probably for that reason, so ATC just uses the runway.

Like the DC crash, normalization of deviation. If they had only made Flexjet follow the taxiway system perhaps this could have been avoided. Fortunately this time the SWA crew was on their game and went around. Watching it again it doesn't appear their gear ever touched.

Yeah. But there is a big fat white runway edge line that crosses 4L. He had been instructed to hold short of a runway and then crossed the big fat white line. There are runway marking issues here though. How far back of that line should you hold? I think someone may already be opening some cans of paint getting ready to deal with this.

 

[bflynn]

Yeah. But there is a big fat white runway edge line that crosses 4L. He had been instructed to hold short of a runway and then crossed the big fat white line. There are runway marking issues here though. How far back of that line should you hold? I think someone may already be opening some cans of paint getting ready to deal with this.

How far back? Certainly not fully on the other side of it.

Controller was on top of it and saw this coming. Did Southwest start the go around before or after he called for it?