20 Feet from Fatal Crash: ATC’s Split-Second Decision Saves Lives

On the afternoon of November 9, 2017, Tucson International Airport (TUS) was a hive of activity amid a major resurfacing project on Runway 11 Left. Taxiways were closed, the runway was shortened, and air traffic controllers were adapting to a complex and ever-changing operational environment. With the threshold of Runway 11 Left shifted 2,000 feet to the west, controllers had to employ different methods to manage the flow of traffic, using the crossing Runway 21 more frequently than usual.

Among those tasked with navigating these challenges was air traffic controller Scott Allen. Allen was overseeing both Local Control positions, ensuring a steady flow of mixed aircraft traffic despite the unusual taxi routes and operational constraints. That afternoon, a King Air was cleared to land on Runway 21 while a flight of four F-16 fighter jets, call sign Popeye1, approached for landing on Runway 11 Left.

The King Air pilot successfully landed, exiting onto Runway 11 Right/Taxiway B before turning onto Taxiway D, where he was instructed to hold short of Runway 11 Left. However, as the King Air approached the hold bars of Runway 11 Left, Allen quickly realized that the aircraft was not going to stop in time. The first F-16 had already passed the intersection, and the second jet, Popeye2, had just touched down.

The ground controller attempted to reach the King Air, but it continued rolling forward, dangerously close to an active runway where fast-moving military jets were landing. In a split-second decision, Allen acted. “King Air Five Alpha Mike, Stop!” he commanded.

At the same moment, he instructed Popeye2 to execute a go-around. The King Air, now nearly a third of the way across the runway, was mere moments from disaster. Popeye2’s pilot reacted swiftly, throttling up and angling his aircraft to avoid the incursion.

The separation between the two aircraft was later estimated to be as little as 20 feet. Garon Hedberg, a trainee controller who witnessed the event, was left in awe. “I knew that Scott had just saved multiple lives,” Hedberg recalled.

“The fact that those two aircraft didn’t collide is an absolute miracle and was only possible due to Scott’s actions.” Displaying remarkable composure, Allen continued his work, immediately instructing Popeye3 and Popeye4 to execute go-arounds as well, ensuring the safety of all aircraft involved. Reflecting on the event, TUS NATCA Facility Representative Ryan Holaway praised Allen’s professionalism and decisiveness. “Scott’s instruction was timely and clear, giving Popeye2’s pilot just enough time to react,” Holaway said.

“His actions that day—and every day—serve as an example of integrity and excellence. He is a stellar air traffic controller and one of the best teammates I’ve ever had.” Through his quick thinking and unwavering dedication, Scott Allen prevented what could have been a catastrophic midair collision, proving that the vigilance and expertise of air traffic controllers are instrumental in ensuring the safety of aviation operations