An American Airlines pilot slammed “on the brakes” to avoid nearly smashing into a crossing truck at Charlotte’s airport Wednesday — as audio from the flight reveals the heart-pounding moment.
Flight 1197 was traveling to the runway ahead of takeoff when the black and white truck zipped by at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, according to audio obtained by news outlets.
“They just went right in front of us and we nearly hit them,” the pilot told a ramp controller, according to CBS News. “I had to – I had to slam on the brakes.”
The near-collision comes a month after an Air Canada plane smashed into an emergency truck while landing at LaGuardia Airport on March 22, killing the pilot and first officer who desperately tried to prevent the crash.
Scores of passengers suffered injuries as a federal probe is underway into the first deadly crash at LaGuardia in more than three decades.
The American Airlines pilot on Wednesday said his taxi light was on and he was starting to move the plane leading up to the near-crash.
“They need to be – someone’s gotta be notified right away,” the pilot also said, according to ABC News. “That was really bad.”
The DC-bound flight still reportedly departed on time.
The airport said officials were aware of the unnerving situation involving a CLT ground vehicle and that it was under investigation, according to CBS News.
“Safety and security are top priorities at CLT,” the spokesperson said.
American Airlines also commended its crew for its quick-thinking actions.
“We’re proud of the professionalism of our crew and the action they took when a ground vehicle not affiliated with American Airlines entered the aircraft’s path on a taxiway,” the airline said, per CBS News.
The Post has sought comment from the airport, American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration.
About the Author
Discover more from USA NEWS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
