Los Angeles — The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly crossed the runway while another plane was taking off from Los Angeles International Airport on Friday.
The plane, operated by Key Lime Air, was ordered to stop by air traffic controllers after the Delta flight took off. No one was injured.
“Air traffic controllers instructed Key Lime Flight 563 not to cross the runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time,” the FAA said in a statement. “The aircraft attempted to overrun the runway edge, but air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to stop.”
The Plane Spotted live stream shows the incident and captured audio of air traffic controllers directing the Key Lime Air flight to “stop, stop, stop.” The flight stopped immediately and continued a short time later.
Gonzaga was in Los Angeles for a game against UCLA on Saturday. No. 19 Gonzaga lost 65-62 to the No. 15 Bruins in the first college basketball game played at the Intuit Dome, the new home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.
“We are aware that the incident at LAX is under investigation and will review information as it becomes available,” the university said in an email Monday afternoon. “Our team members on board the aircraft were unaware of the incident when it occurred and we are thankful that the incident ended safely for everyone.”
Gonzaga is scheduled to play at Pepperdine later Monday.
Key Lime Air did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press on Monday. Los Angeles World Airports referred media inquiries to the FAA, and a Delta spokesperson said there were no problems with the aircraft.
“Delta Flight 471 operated normally and we have not received any communication from the FAA regarding this flight. “We are cooperating with aviation officials in their investigation,” the airline said in an email.
