Jet carrying university basketball team ordered to stop to avoid collision at LAX
FAA Investigates Near-Runway Incident Involving Gonzaga Men’s Basketball Team
The Federal Aviation Administration has initiated an investigation following a close call at Los Angeles International Airport involving a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team. The incident occurred when the Key Lime Air-operated plane nearly crossed a runway as another flight was taking off on Friday.
Air traffic controllers instructed the Key Lime Air Flight 563 to halt as a Delta aircraft was in the process of taking off. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
According to the FAA, the jet was directed to hold short of crossing the runway at LAX, but proceeded to cross the hold bars. The air traffic controllers then urgently instructed the pilots to stop, preventing the jet from crossing the runway edge line.
Video footage from a plane-spotting livestream captured the incident, including audio of the controller commanding the Key Lime Air flight to “stop, stop, stop.” The flight promptly complied and resumed its course after a brief pause.
Gonzaga University was in Los Angeles for a game against UCLA, which they unfortunately lost 65-62. The match took place at the Intuit Dome, the new venue for the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.
The university stated that they are aware of the investigation and will cooperate as more information becomes available. The team members onboard the aircraft were reportedly unaware of the situation as it unfolded and expressed gratitude that the incident concluded without harm.
Key Lime Air has not responded to media inquiries regarding the incident, while Delta confirmed that their flight operated normally without any issues. Gonzaga went on to secure a victory against Pepperdine in their West Coast Conference opener.
Despite questions about the flight incident, Gonzaga players remained focused on their upcoming games. Khalif Battle declined to comment, while Braden Huff expressed eagerness to return to Spokane for their next matchup against Portland.
Head coach Mark Few commended the team for their performance on Monday night, emphasizing the importance of securing the win. The Bulldogs continue their season with determination and resilience.
AP freelance writer Dan Greenspan in Malibu contributed to this report.
