Sun Glare Blamed in Chicago Midway Near-Miss: NTSB Report

Sun glare has emerged as a possible factor in the alarming near-miss incident at Chicago Midway International Airport, according to a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). A Southwest Airlines flight had to execute a go-around maneuver after a smaller Flexjet aircraft unexpectedly taxied onto its runway on February 25.

The near miss, which was captured on a dramatic video, has raised eyebrows in the aviation community. The NTSB’s report reveals that the Flexjet crew was directed by ground control to "turn left onto runway 04L, cross runway 31L, and then hold short of runway 31C," where the Southwest plane was approaching. However, the Flexjet crew reported that sun glare from the right side impaired their visibility—unfortunately, the same direction from which the Southwest jet was arriving.

The report further disclosed that the Flexjet crew "did not recall seeing any hold short line/pavement markings or other signs for the 31L intersection as they taxied onto runway 04L/22R." And here’s the kicker: they mistook runway 13R/31L for a taxiway, illustrating a shocking lapse in situational awareness. The captain even admitted to confusing runway 13C/31C with 13R/31L.

When the Flexjet plane approached the hold short line for runway 31C, ground control instructed them to stop. Unfortunately, this transmission was not acknowledged by the crew, according to the report. That’s a big "yikes" if you ask me—failing to respond to air traffic control is a colossal no-no!

Following the incident, the Flexjet captain parked the aircraft, notified their operator of the potential pilot deviation, assessed the crew's ability to continue, and departed roughly 25 minutes later. Meanwhile, Southwest Flight 2504 from Omaha, Nebraska, safely landed after the precautionary go-around maneuver.

"The crew followed safety procedures and the flight landed without incident," a Southwest spokesperson stated, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains their utmost priority. Flexjet also issued a statement assuring the public of their commitment to the highest safety standards, adding that a thorough investigation is underway.

Both airlines appear to be handling this incident with professionalism, but one has to wonder—how does a pilot mistake a runway for a taxiway? Sun glare or not, that’s a serious question with potentially grave consequences.