The FAA is investigating after a person was hit and killed by a passenger plane landing on a runway at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport last night.
A statement from the airport says the flight crew reported seeing “an unauthorized individual” on the runway shortly after the Southwest Airlines plane touched down. An airport operations employee found the victim and called paramedics who pronounced them dead. The airport says the area is cleared and operations have resumed.
Southwest Airlines released the following statement:
Southwest flight #1392 arrived safely this evening at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) after being cleared to land on runway 17R. The Southwest aircraft maneuvered to avoid an individual who became visible on runway 17R shortly after touchdown. The aircraft quickly came to a safe stop, and the Pilots reported the event to local air traffic controllers. After receiving further instructions from controllers, the aircraft taxied to a gate where all Customers and Crew deplaned the aircraft safely with no reports of onboard injuries. Tonight’s flight landed at 8:12 p.m. CDT, after arriving from Dallas Love Field (DAL). Southwest is fully cooperating with local law enforcement and FAA as those agencies investigate the event. We sincerely thank our Crew for their professionalism and swift response.
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