Separation breakdown at O'Hare

[Philip Argy]

The NTSB is investigating a separation breakdown at Chicago's O'Hare Airport earlier in the week:

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NTSB ADVISORY
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National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

May 19, 2011

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NTSB INVESTIGATING AIR TRAFFIC INCIDENT AT O'HARE

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WASHINGTON -The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating
an air traffic control incident involving two regional jets that occurred on
Monday, May 16, 2011 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

At approximately 9:35 am (CDT), ExpressJet Airlines flight 6075, an Embraer
ERJ-145, was cleared for takeoff on runway 32L at O'Hare, en route to Buffalo,
New York. SkyWest Airlines flight 6958, a Canadair CRJ-200, arriving at
O'Hare from Muskegon, Michigan, was cleared to land on runway 9R. Aircraft
approaching runway 9R cross runway 32L at low altitude before landing.
Because of the timing of the two operations, the SkyWest flight nearly
overflew the departing ExpressJet flight.

A supervisor on duty in the tower noticed the traffic on the runway and the
traffic on the approach and instructed the controller handling the SkyWest
flight to direct the pilot to go around. The SkyWest pilot discontinued the
initial approach as instructed. The ExpressJet flight continued takeoff
roll and departed without further incident. The SkyWest flight returned a few
minutes later and landed. There were no injuries or damage to either
aircraft.

NTSB Air Traffic Control Investigator Betty Koschig has been designated as the
Investigator-in-Charge and is being assisted by other NTSB investigators with
expertise in flight operations and meteorology.

Safety Board investigators are reviewing radar data, air traffic control audio
recordings, and statements provide by the pilots of the aircraft involved.
Preliminary radar information provided to the Safety Board by the Federal
Aviation Administration indicates that the SkyWest aircraft crossed runway 32L
approximately 225 feet above the ExpressJet aircraft when the two aircraft
were laterally less than 480 feet apart.

As part of the on-going investigation, NTSB investigators are scheduled to
interview ATC personnel involved in the incident.