Gonzaga basketball

Gonzaga's Jet Juiced Up for a Close Call: The Near Miss that Shook the Court!

What happens when a Gonzaga basketball team charter flight nearly collides with a Delta? Buckle up for this hair-raising adventure!

In a heart-pounding incident that could have changed the game forever, the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team experienced a dramatic close call on Friday, just as they were gearing up for their highly anticipated match against UCLA. The team was aboard a chartered private jet that had just touched down at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) when air traffic control was alerted to a potential collision with a departing Delta flight. As the pilots began taxiing, it quickly became clear that they were about to cross paths on the busy runway, sparking emergency protocol.

As the plane approached the hold bars, a seasoned air traffic controller sprang into action, issuing an urgent command to the pilots: "Stop, stop, stop!" Thanks to their swift response, the Gonzaga jet halted just in time, avoiding a catastrophic collision that could have jeopardized not only the team but also the lives of everyone on board and the Delta flight. This close encounter has since caught the attention of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has announced an investigation into the incident to review all safety measures in place at one of the busiest airports in the United States.

The Gonzaga men’s basketball team, known for their spirited gameplay and relentless determination, found themselves facing a different type of challenge altogether. Just days before their game, this unexpected turn of events likely drew the focus away from what was supposed to be a high-stakes basketball showdown. Nevertheless, it seems the team took the scare in stride, as they would soon find out how to channel this adrenaline into their performance on the court.

In the wake of the incident, Gonzaga University is expressing gratitude for the professionalism of the flight crew and air traffic controllers whose quick thinking averted what could have been a serious disaster. Fans and sports commentators alike have weighed in, suggesting that this close call could serve as a motivator for the team as they gear up to take on their competition. It’s not every day a basketball team sidesteps a runway mishap!

Did you know that LAX is one of the top five busiest airports in the world? This means that incidents like the one that occurred with Gonzaga’s team are exceptionally rare, although they can happen in even the tightest-knit aviation schedules. Additionally, the Gonzaga men's basketball team has a robust history of NCAA tournaments, but they certainly didn’t prepare for a runway drama!