Feds Probe Near-Miss Incident at Newark: Alaska Airlines Jet and FedEx Plane Close Call Sparks Investigation

Federal investigators have launched a probe into a concerning incident that occurred Tuesday evening at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, involving a near-miss between a commercial airliner and a cargo aircraft.

According to officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the incident involved an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 777. Both planes were simultaneously attempting to land on intersecting runways, resulting in what has been described as a “close call.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the event unfolded around 8:15 p.m. local time. An air traffic controller directed Alaska Airlines Flight 294 to execute a “go-around” maneuver because FedEx Flight 721 had already been cleared for its final approach on a crossing runway.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a FedEx representative confirmed that their flight crew, adhering to air traffic control instructions, landed safely without any issues at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Similarly, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson informed Fox News Digital that Flight 294 had also been cleared for landing. The quick response from both flight crews and air traffic control helped avert a potential mishap.

“Air traffic control issued a go around to our aircraft, which our pilots are highly trained for,” the spokesperson said. “We’re aware the FAA and NTSB are investigating.”

Wreckage in the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Jan. 30.  (Petty Officer 1st Class Brandon Giles, U.S. Coast Guard via AP)

The incident came just a year after an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines passenger plane near Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport, killing 64 people on the American Eagle flight and three aboard the military helicopter.

Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the busiest in the U.S. (Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)

Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the U.S., serving tens of millions of passengers annually. As of late, the airport has been plagued by air traffic controller shortages, leading to strained operations and major delays. 

FAA and NTSB officials are investigating the incident.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.