Incident Overview
On April 17, 2024, about 1645 eastern daylight time, Swiss Air flight 17K, an Airbus A330-343, experienced a runway incursion on runway 4L at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Jamaica, New York. The incursion involved four other aircraft crossing runway 4L: Delta Airlines flight 29 (Boeing 767-432(ER)), Delta Airlines flight 420 (Airbus A220-100), Republic Airlines flight 5752 (Embraer E175LR), and American Airlines flight 2246 (Boeing 737-MAX 8). As a result, Swiss Air flight 17K rejected its takeoff. There was no damage to the involved aircraft and no injuries to crew or passengers.
Swiss Air flight 17K was a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 129 scheduled international passenger flight from JFK to Zurich Airport, Switzerland.
Timeline of Events
The following timeline was constructed from certified audio re-recordings and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All times are in eastern daylight time.
| Time (EDT) | Sequence of Events | |------------|----------------------| | 1644:58 | Local Controller Two instructed Swiss Air flight 17K to line up and wait on runway 4L; readback correct. | | 1645:57 | Local Controller Two cleared Swiss Air flight 17K for takeoff on runway 4L; readback correct. | | 1645:58 | Local Controller One instructed Delta flight 29 to cross runway 4L at H; readback correct. | | 1646:07 | Local Controller One instructed American flight 2246 to cross runway 4L at VA; readback correct. | | 1646:12 | Local Controller One instructed Republic flight 5752 to cross runway 4L at F; readback correct. | | 1646:18 | Local Controller One instructed Delta flight 420 to cross runway 4L at G; readback correct. | | 1646:26 | Swiss Air flight 17K reported rejecting takeoff due to traffic on the runway. Local Controller Two instructed the flight to exit runway 4L on runway 31L; readback correct. |
ASDE-X System Information
JFK was equipped with airport surface detection equipment, model X (ASDE-X). This system provides detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways, displaying aircraft and vehicle positions as icons on a color map. ASDE-X includes visual and aural alarms for potential runway conflicts. However, during this event, the system did not alarm because Swiss Air flight 17K never transitioned into the departure state. An aircraft enters the departure state when it exceeds acceleration of 1.3 m/s² and velocity of 24.384 m/s.
Investigation
The NTSB was notified and assigned operations, air traffic control, and human factors specialists. The ATC group convened at JFK ATCT the week of April 30 to conduct interviews and review documentation. Parties to the investigation include the FAA, NATCA, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Republic Airlines, ALPA, APA, and IBT. The Swiss Transportation Safety Board provided an Accredited Representative, with Swiss International Air Lines as technical advisors. The investigation continues.