United Airlines Jet in Terrifying Near-Miss at LaGuardia Airport

A United Airlines flight came perilously close to disaster on Friday when it taxied directly across an active runway where another aircraft was preparing for takeoff at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

The heart-stopping incident occurred around 8am local time as United Flight 1945, a Boeing 737-900 bound for Orlando, Florida, was instructed to cross Runway 4 while a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900 was accelerating for departure on the same runway.

"Immediate Evasive Action"

According to air traffic control recordings, controllers urgently radioed the Delta flight to abort its takeoff. The Delta pilots responded immediately, applying maximum braking and bringing their aircraft to a safe stop.

An anonymous source familiar with the investigation revealed to The Independent that the two aircraft came within approximately 1,000 feet of each other - a dangerously close margin in aviation terms that could have resulted in catastrophe.

FAA Launches Urgent Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed it is investigating the serious incident. In an official statement, the agency said: "An air traffic controller instructed the crew of United Flight 1945 to cross Runway 4 at LaGuardia Airport while the crew of Delta Flight 1943 was starting its takeoff roll on the same runway."

Both United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have acknowledged the incident and are cooperating fully with investigators. A United spokesperson stated their crew had received clearance from air traffic control before crossing the runway.

Growing Safety Concerns

This near-collision adds to growing concerns about aviation safety in US airspace. The incident follows several other close calls at major airports across the country in recent months, raising questions about air traffic control staffing and procedures.

Aviation experts emphasize that runway incursions represent one of the most serious safety threats in commercial aviation, with the potential for catastrophic consequences when heavy aircraft come into close proximity during critical phases of flight.

The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to review the incident as part of its ongoing monitoring of aviation safety trends.