Gonzaga’s men’s basketball team had no idea they were involved in a scary airplane incident as it unfolded Friday at Los Angeles International Airport.
“We understand that the incident at LAX is under investigation and we will review this information as it becomes available,” the university said in an email Monday afternoon. “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 Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a Delta jet carrying the team nearly collided with a jet operated by Key Lime Air while taking off at LAX around 4:30 p.m. Friday.
“I can’t answer any questions about that,” Khalif Battle, a sixth-year guard for the Bulldogs, said after scoring 21 points in an 89-82 win over Pepperdine in their West Coast Conference opener Monday night.
No one was injured.
Gonzaga was in Los Angeles for its game against UCLA on Saturday — a 65-62 loss at Intuit Dome, the new home of the Clippers.
Braden Huff, a third-year forward, said he was looking forward to Thursday’s home game against Portland.
“I mean, we’re happy with the win, 1-1 on the road trip. Would like to be 2-0, so just to be able to get back to Spokane, get another game in on Thursday, it feels good to get another opportunity,” said Huff, who had 19 points against Pepperdine.
The frightening scene was captured by Airline Videos Live broadcast on Friday.
An air traffic controller was heard telling the Key Lime Air flight to stop on the runway as the Delta plane carrying the Gonzaga men’s basketball team took off.
The Key Lime Air plane stopped briefly before being advised to cross the runway.
“Air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Air Flight 563 to hold short of crossing a runway at Los Angeles International Airport because a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time,” the FAA said in a statement. “When the Embraer E135 jet proceeded to cross the hold bars, air traffic controllers told the pilots to stop. The jet never crossed the runway edge line.”
Delta said it wasn’t aware of the FAA’s communication.
“Delta flight 471 operated as normal, and we are not aware of any communication from the FAA regarding this flight. We are cooperating with aviation officials on their investigation,” the airline said in an email, per AP.
