The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a dangerous near-miss between two Southwest Airlines planes at Nashville International Airport this past Saturday.

Close Encounter in Nashville

The incident occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time, involving Southwest Flight 507 and Flight 1152. Flight tracking data from FlightRadar24 indicates the aircraft were separated by only 500 feet vertically – a distance considered dangerously close by aviation professionals.

Go-Around and Intersection

Southwest Flight 507 was on final approach when the flight crew initiated a go-around due to challenging wind conditions. Simultaneously, Flight 1152 was taking off from a parallel runway. Air traffic control directed the planes onto intersecting flight paths.

Emergency Alerts and Pilot Response

The converging paths triggered emergency alert systems in both cockpits, warning the pilots of a potential collision. Retired Marine Colonel and aviation analyst Steve Ganyard explained the alarms signaled an immediate need for evasive action.

Pilots on both flights responded quickly to maintain separation and avoid a mid-air disaster. Both aircraft ultimately continued their operations safely.

Southwest Airlines Statement

Southwest Airlines confirmed both flights completed their journeys without further incident. Flight 507 successfully landed after the aborted approach, and Flight 1152 continued on its scheduled departure.

The airline expressed gratitude for the flight crews’ professional response and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger and employee safety.

FAA Investigation

The FAA investigation will focus on communication logs between air traffic control and the flight crews. The goal is to determine how the flight paths conflicted and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.