Southwest Boeing 737 at Albuquerque Intl. Sunport
Taken by Caleb A. @newmexico_aviation on IG
According to Austin International Airport authorities, one person had been struck and killed on runway 17R on the 8th of May. It appears that Southwest Boeing 737 flight number WN1391 may have been the aircraft that struck the individual. The incident is currently being investigated by local authorities. The aircraft left Dallas before landing in Austin. According to FR24, the aircraft reported that there "might have been a person on the runway."
Following this incident, it is unclear if the aircraft actually struck the person or if it was the first aircraft to spot the person. The airport authorities closed runway 17R/35L after this incident. The next flight was forced to do a go-around. This was a Delta Airlines Airbus A220-100 aircraft operating flight DL819 from Minneapolis. The aircraft landed successfully after a second attempt.
The incident is currently under investigation. However, some pictures can be seen surfacing across Twitter of the state of the engine of the Boeing 737 after the incident.
Southwest Airlines have published a statement regarding the incident which they shared on the Aviation Herald website. They stated that:
“Southwest flight #1392 arrived safely after being cleared to land on runway 17R at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) this evening. The Southwest aircraft maneuvered to avoid an individual who appeared on runway 17R shortly after touchdown. The aircraft quickly came to a safe stop, and the Pilots reported the event to local air traffic controllers. “After receiving further instructions from controllers, the aircraft taxied to the gate where all Customers and the Crew deplaned the aircraft safely with no reports of onboard injuries. Tonight’s flight landed at 8:12 p.m. CDT, after arriving from Dallas Love Field (DAL). “Southwest is fully cooperating with local law enforcement and FAA as they investigate this event. Our Southwest Hearts extend to the individual involved, and we sincerely thank our Crew for their professionalism and swift response.”
It appears that the individual struck was an adult according to Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Service on Twitter. However, they haven't added any additional information. It has also been shared by the Airport Spokesman, Bryce Dubee, that officials believe that the individual was not meant to be on the runway at this time. Authorities are trying to confirm if this is true or not according to USA Today.
Comments