American airlines jet avoids collision with truck at Charlotte airport: 'We nearly hit them'

WASHINGTON, DC: An American Airlines pilot was forced to “slam on the brakes” to avoid hitting a ground vehicle at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, according to air traffic control audio from Wednesday, April 15.

“They just went right in front of us… We nearly hit them,” the pilot of Flight 1197 said, describing how a pickup truck suddenly crossed the aircraft’s path while it was taxiing.

Close call on taxiway reports pilot

The pilot reported that the aircraft’s taxi light was on and the plane was already moving when the vehicle, described as a white-and-black airport operations truck, sped past.

“I had to slam on the brakes… That’s really bad,” the pilot added, urging that the incident be reported immediately.

The aircraft was departing from the concourse and heading toward the runway at the time of the near-miss. Despite the scare, the flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport departed on schedule, according to flight tracking data.

Airport and FAA launch probe after the incident 

Airport authorities confirmed they are investigating the incident.

“Safety and security are top priorities,” a spokesperson for Charlotte Douglas International Airport said, adding that the matter is being reviewed in line with safety protocols.

The Federal Aviation Administration also said it is “looking into” the episode. 

Airline praises crew response

American Airlines commended the flight crew’s handling of the situation, noting that the vehicle involved was not affiliated with the airline.

“We’re proud of the professionalism of our crew and the action they took when a ground vehicle… entered the aircraft’s path,” the airline said.

Air traffic control audio indicated the vehicle was eventually identified and tracked, with a controller confirming: “I got him now.”

Series of ground safety incidents

The near-collision comes amid growing concerns over runway and taxiway safety in the United States.

The incident follows a deadly crash involving an Air Canada aircraft and a firefighting truck at LaGuardia Airport, as well as a recent near-miss involving a Frontier Airlines plane and two trucks at Los Angeles International Airport.

While the Charlotte vehicle appeared to have a functioning transponder, allowing it to be tracked by controllers, the latest episode underscores ongoing risks on busy airport taxiways.