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Harry Reid runway incident prompted emergency response and flight diversions, audio shows
Air traffic controllers called for emergency vehicles and redirected arriving flights after a private jet carrying eight people skidded through a perimeter fence at Harry Reid International Airport. The Sunday morning incident closed two runways and disrupted dozens of flights.
LAS VEGAS — Air traffic controllers requested emergency vehicles and began shifting arriving flights to other runways after a private jet skidded off a runway and broke through a perimeter fence at Harry Reid International Airport on Sunday morning, according to newly released radio audio and airport officials.
In the recording, a controller checks on the aircraft and tells another pilot that emergency vehicles are on the way. A controller later says information will be shared once the situation is understood. Radio traffic from another arriving flight captures controllers redirecting aircraft as delays built.
The incident shut down two runways and led to a ground stop that held dozens of flights, officials said. The ground stop was later lifted, but travelers were advised to check with their airlines for continuing delays or cancellations.
Singer and actor Donnie Wahlberg was among the eight people aboard the Dassault Falcon 50, which was bound for Toronto Pearson Airport, according to People magazine. Wahlberg posted video of the incident on social media and said the aircraft avoided trucks, heavy equipment and dumpsters before striking a fence. He said he was grateful everyone survived.
The available information does not establish what caused the jet to leave the runway. Airport operations were affected as crews responded and air traffic controllers worked to manage arriving flights.