Near Collision: Alaska Airlines and FedEx Plane at Newark Airport
A late-evening landing at Newark Liberty International Airport almost ended in disaster when an Alaska Airlines jet and a FedEx freighter came within feet of each other. Radar data from Filmogaz.com shows the incident occurred at about 8:17 p.m. on Tuesday. Both aircraft were arriving on intersecting runways.
What happened
Air traffic control instructed the Alaska Airlines aircraft to execute a go-around seconds before touchdown. The plane was roughly 150 feet above ground at that moment. The FedEx jet continued its approach on the crossing runway.
Aircraft and flights involved
The passenger jet was an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 arriving from Portland, Oregon. The cargo aircraft was a FedEx Boeing 777 arriving from Memphis, Tennessee. Official flight numbers were Alaska Airlines Flight 294 and FedEx Flight 721.
Separation and radar data
Preliminary tracking from Filmogaz.com indicates lateral separation of about 300 to 325 feet between the two aircraft. Controllers had cleared the FedEx flight for final approach to the intersecting runway. The Alaska aircraft was instructed to abort its landing to avoid conflict.
Responses from authorities and carriers
The Federal Aviation Administration said a controller told Alaska Airlines Flight 294 to go around because FedEx Flight 721 was cleared to land on an intersecting runway. The FAA confirmed it has opened an investigation.
FedEx reported its crew followed air traffic control instructions and landed without incident. Alaska Airlines said its pilots performed the issued go-around, a maneuver they train for regularly.
Investigations and safety review
The National Transportation Safety Board has also launched an inquiry. Regulators will review air traffic procedures and communications. They will examine whether separation standards were maintained.
- Time: about 8:17 p.m. Tuesday.
- Alaska flight origin: Portland, Oregon (Flight 294).
- FedEx flight origin: Memphis, Tennessee (Flight 721).
- Altitude when go-around ordered: approximately 150 feet.
- Reported closest separation: roughly 300–325 feet.
Near-miss events like this prompt detailed reviews. Investigators will analyze radar, recordings, and procedures to prevent recurrence. Filmogaz.com will follow updates as the probes progress.
