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FAA Probing Video of Gonzaga MCBB Team's Plane Nearly Colliding with Plane on Runway

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVDecember 30, 2024

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - FEBRUARY 20: A basketball sets on the court next to the Bulldogs logo prior to the start of the game between the San Francisco Dons and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on February 20, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
William Mancebo/Getty Images

The Federal Aviation Administration is reportedly investigating a situation at the Los Angeles International Airport in which an air traffic controller had to stop a chartered jet carrying the Gonzaga men's basketball team, helping it narrowly avoid another plane that was taking off in the same vicinity.

A report from NBC LA and Rob King of KXLY in Spokane, Washington, detailed the situation, noting it happened at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday when the Bulldogs were arriving in Los Angeles for a game against UCLA.

A Delta commercial plane ended up taking off on the runway near where the Key Lime Air chartered jet was taxiing following its flight.

"We understand that the incident at LAX is under investigation and we will review this information as it becomes available," Gonzaga said in a statement. "Our team members aboard the aircraft were unaware of the situation as it occurred and we are grateful that the incident ended safely for all."

The FAA said Gonzaga's plane managed to avoid the runway while the Delta plane was taking off, while a Delta spokesperson said its flight operated as expected.

UCLA ended up winning the Saturday game 65-62 after Skyy Clark made two key free throws in the final seconds and Ryan Nembhard missed a three-pointer that would have forced overtime.

The Bulldogs are 9-4 but have struggled of late following a 7-1 start.

They are 2-3 in their last five with losses to UCLA, Kentucky and UConn. They also lost to West Virginia earlier this season but figure to find their footing in conference play once their WCC schedule starts.