Confusion and missed markings flagged in Southwest-Flexjet NTSB preliminary report
March 19, 2025
The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report into a runway incursion at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) on February 25, 2025, after a Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 350 crossed an active runway without clearance, narrowly avoiding a collision with a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800.
The incident occurred at approximately 08:48 local time when Southwest flight 2504 (SWA2504) was forced to execute a go-around, passing just 200 feet behind the Flexjet aircraft.
According to the preliminary NTSB report, the Flexjet crew reported receiving taxi instructions that “did not make sense to them” and struggled to interpret the directions.
As they approached runway 31C, the Flexjet pilots failed to see the hold short markings and did not observe the Southwest plane on its final approach. The Southwest crew, realising the Flexjet aircraft was not stopping, executed a go-around without incident.
There were no injuries reported among the 142 passengers and crew on board the Southwest flight, nor the three occupants aboard the Flexjet Challenger. After the successful maneuver, SWA2504 circled and landed safely a few minutes later.
The Flexjet flight crew indicated that sun glare impaired their visibility as they approached the runway. Additionally, they described confusion over taxi instructions, which led to further disorientation. Despite receiving revised instructions, they misidentified runway 13R/31L as a taxiway due to its visual similarity.
Meanwhile, Southwest’s crew assumed the Flexjet aircraft would hold short of the runway as expected. Upon realising the crossing was imminent, the first officer called for a go-around, which the captain executed.
The NTSB has confirmed that cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) from both aircraft were overwritten, eliminating potentially crucial audio evidence. However, flight data recorders (FDRs) are being analysed in Washington, D.C. The investigation involves multiple parties, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Southwest Airlines, Flexjet, and representatives from Boeing and Bombardier.
Weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported as clear skies with 8-knot winds from the northwest. The sun’s low position on the horizon may have contributed to visibility challenges for the Flexjet crew.
Runway incursions remain a significant safety concern for aviation regulators. The NTSB’s investigation is ongoing.
