A dramatic last-moment maneuver unfolded over one of the United States’ busiest airports when two aircraft on converging approaches came dangerously close, triggering an urgent go-around.
On Mar 17th 2026, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX, registration N738AL, operating flight AS-294 from Portland to Newark, was on short final for runway 22L when the situation developed.
At the same time, a FedEx Express Boeing 777-200, registration N853FD, operating flight FX-721 from Memphis, was also on short final—cleared to land on the intersecting runway 29.
As the Alaska aircraft descended through approximately 250 feet above ground level, air traffic control recognized the developing conflict and urgently instructed the crew to go around and climb to 2,000 feet. The pilots responded immediately, initiating the go-around at roughly 200 feet AGL.
During the maneuver, the Boeing 737 climbed directly over the FedEx Boeing 777, which was continuing its landing on runway 29. ADS-B data later indicated the Alaska jet overflew the 777 at an altitude of around 300 feet AGL, underscoring just how close the two aircraft came during the incident.
The Alaska flight was handed off to departure control and later to arrival, where controllers reportedly acknowledged the error and apologized, indicating the situation had resulted from air traffic control handling.
The aircraft subsequently repositioned for another ILS approach to runway 22L and landed safely without further issue.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the go-around was ordered because both aircraft had been cleared for approaches to intersecting runways, creating a conflict. The agency has launched an investigation into the event.
The National Transportation Safety Board has also opened an investigation, classifying the occurrence as a serious close call involving two large commercial aircraft attempting to land simultaneously on crossing runways.
While no injuries or damage were reported, the incident highlights the razor-thin margins in high-density airspace and the critical importance of timing and coordination in air traffic control. In this case, a split-second decision—and swift pilot response—prevented what could have escalated into a far more serious event.
