‘Stop, stop, stop!’: Jet carrying Gonzaga basketball team avoids collision at LAX

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after a private jet carrying the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team nearly crossed a runway as another flight took off from Los Angeles International Airport on Friday.

The Key Lime Air plane was ordered by air traffic controllers to stop as a Delta plane took off. No one was injured.

“Air traffic controllers instructed Key Lime Air Flight 563 not to overrun the runway at Los Angeles International Airport as a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time,” the FAA said in a statement. “As the Embraer E135 aircraft passed the hold bars, air traffic controllers told the pilots to stop. The aircraft never exceeded the edge of the runway.”

A airplane spotting live stream shows the incident and recorded audio of an air traffic controller telling the Key Lime Air flight, “Stop, stop, stop.” The flight stopped immediately and continued after a few moments.

The Gonzaga men were in Los Angeles on Saturday for their game against UCLA. The Bulldogs lost 65-62 to the Bruins in the first college basketball game played at Intuit Dome, the new home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.

“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 on board the aircraft were unaware of the situation when it occurred and we are grateful that the incident ended safely for everyone.”

Key Lime Air did not immediately respond to the Associated Press’ request for comment on Monday. Los Angeles World Airports referred a media inquiry to the FAA and a Delta spokesperson said there were no problems for its planes.

“Delta Flight 471 operated normally and we are not aware of any communication from the FAA regarding this flight. We are working with airline officials on their investigation,” the airline said in an email.

No. 19 Gonzaga won its West Coast Conference opener Monday night, defeating Pepperdine 89-82 in Malibu.

Khalif Battle, a sixth-year guard who scored a team-high 21 points, declined to answer when asked what happened on Friday’s run. A Gonzaga athletic department media official referred reporters to the school’s previous statement.

“I can’t answer any questions about that,” Battle said.

Braden Huff, a third-year forward, said he was looking forward to returning to Spokane, Washington. Gonzaga hosts Portland on Thursday.

“I mean, we’re happy with the win, 1-1 on the road trip. I would like to be 2-0, so to be able to go back to Spokane on Thursday and play another game on Thursday, it feels good to get another chance,” said Huff, who had 19 points.

Bulldogs coach Mark Few said the most important thing was that the team found a way to win on Monday night.

“I told them after the game that the mission was accomplished,” he said.