Close Call: Southwest Plane Took Off From Closed Runway in Maine
A Southwest Airlines flight departed from a closed runway in Portland, Maine, on June 25th, raising safety concerns. The crew reportedly missed a crucial notice detailing the closure.
Photo Source: People
The incident involved Southwest Airlines flight 4805, which departed from the wrong runway at Portland International Jetport early on June 25th. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed that the flight crew overlooked a critical notice to air missions (NOTAM) advising of the closure.
Prior to takeoff, the crew reviewed an electronic weather packet containing various NOTAMs. However, they missed a specific brief regarding closures on weekdays, focusing on a document outlining closures applicable only to weekends. The crew also failed to notice a separate message pertaining to departures before a certain time.
The flight, carrying 136 passengers and crew members, landed safely at its Baltimore destination. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the event prompted investigations by both the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The pilots claim to have received information from software applications suggesting the runway was operational. The first officer also relayed their departure plans from runway 29 on the universal communication channel on multiple occasions.
At the time of departure, the Portland air traffic control tower was closed. The pilots, therefore, communicated with the Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center, which granted them clearance and flight instructions.
The pilots reported observing a truck leaving the runway before takeoff and ensured it had cleared the path before initiating acceleration. They further stated encountering no signs or indications of a closure during departure.
“We are addressing this matter through our safety management system and continue to participate in the ongoing investigation,” a Southwest Airlines spokesperson remarked.
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