A JetBlue pilot experienced a near-miss while landing at Fort Lauderdale’s airport on Monday evening, reporting to air traffic control that a smaller aircraft was maneuvering erratically in close proximity.
The occurrence took place at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Monday, as noted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Audio captured from air traffic control by LiveATC.net reveals the tower directing the JetBlue flight 1256 as it approached Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
In the recording, the JetBlue pilot expressed concern, stating that the smaller aircraft was “turning towards us.” At that moment, the two planes were reportedly only a few hundred feet apart in altitude and about a mile away horizontally.
Shortly thereafter, the air traffic controller referred to the pilot of the smaller aircraft as “Mad Max,” alluding to the famous action movie series. “That guy’s insane,” the controller remarked, according to the audio.
The controller continued to relay landing instructions to the JetBlue pilot, affirming that the FAA confirmed “required separation” was maintained throughout the incident. The JetBlue flight subsequently landed without incident, as reported by the FAA.
Additionally, the air traffic controller notified another JetBlue flight about the small plane, indicating that its pilot had “been trying to climb at aircraft.” That flight also landed safely, based on airport reports.
According to the FAA, the pilot of the second aircraft was not in communication with air traffic control. Details surrounding the origin of the aircraft or the reasons for its erratic flight path remain unclear, and the FAA has initiated an investigation into the matter. CBS News has sought a statement from JetBlue regarding the incident.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, located in Broward County, Florida, ranks as the 18th-busiest airport in the United States, according to its official website. Additionally, North Perry Airport, another facility in Broward County, serves as a base for numerous small and private aircraft.
There have been several reports of aviation close calls in recent weeks. On April 29, a United Airlines flight indicated a potential drone strike while landing at San Diego International Airport. Just days earlier, on April 20, two Southwest Airlines flights nearly collided near Nashville International Airport after an aborted landing placed one plane directly in the path of a departing aircraft, with preliminary data showing they were separated by about 500 feet in altitude. The FAA is also looking into an April 9 incident where a Frontier Airlines flight almost collided with two vehicles on a taxiway at Los Angeles International Airport.
