Airplanes have close call at N.C. airport

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Quick thinking and reactions prevented two commercial aircraft from colliding at an airport in Charlotte, N.C., an official says.

Federal Aviation Administration official spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen credited the pilots on board an incoming flight and an air traffic controller at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport with helping prevent a travel disaster, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer said Monday.

Sunday's incident occurred when an America West Airlines Airbus A321 was in its last mile of descent into Charlotte.

An air traffic controller at the airport noticed America West Flight 1525 moving slowly on the runway tagged for the incoming flight.

The controller immediately informed the incoming flight's pilots, who were able to pull up their aircraft and avoid the grounded airplane, the Observer said.

"These 'go-around' procedures are not uncommon," Bergen said, referring to the term given to such travel events. "At Charlotte/Douglas, you probably have one or two 'go-arounds' a day. It's a safety procedure. It ensures that no plane lands unless the runway is completely cleared."