Federal investigators examine Newark runway near miss involving Portland Alaska Airlines flight and FedEx cargo jet

Near miss during intersecting-runway operations prompts dual federal investigation

Federal aviation investigators have opened an inquiry after an Alaska Airlines passenger jet arriving from Portland executed a late go-around at Newark Liberty International Airport and overflew a FedEx cargo aircraft that was also on approach to land.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night, March 17, 2026, at Newark, one of the nation’s busiest airports and a key hub in the New York metropolitan area’s airspace. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it is investigating. The Federal Aviation Administration said it is also investigating the event.

What is known about the flights and the sequence of events

The passenger flight involved was Alaska Airlines Flight 294, operated by a Boeing 737, arriving at Newark from Portland International Airport. Alaska Airlines said its aircraft had been cleared to land and then received a go-around instruction from air traffic control—an established procedure in which a flight discontinues its landing attempt and repositions for another approach.

The cargo flight was FedEx Flight 721, operated by a Boeing 777, arriving from Memphis. FedEx said its crew followed air traffic control instructions and landed safely.

Federal officials described the situation as developing when an air traffic controller instructed the Alaska flight to go around because the FedEx aircraft had been cleared for a final approach to an intersecting runway. The NTSB said the Alaska jet overflew the FedEx aircraft during the episode.

A go-around is a standard maneuver used when spacing, runway availability, or traffic sequencing requires an approach to be discontinued.

Passenger and crew counts, and immediate safety outcomes

Alaska Airlines reported that 171 passengers and six crew members were on board Flight 294. No injuries were reported by the airlines in connection with the event, and both aircraft completed their operations safely.

Why Newark’s runway layout matters to the investigation

Newark’s runway system includes intersecting and closely spaced runways that can require complex sequencing of arrivals and departures, particularly during periods of heavy traffic or changing wind conditions. Intersecting-runway operations demand precise timing and clear communication so that aircraft remain separated during critical low-altitude phases of flight.

Investigators typically examine air traffic control communications, radar and transponder data, flight crew actions, airport configuration, weather, and any relevant safety alerts or procedures in effect at the time.

Key facts investigators are expected to review

• Clearances issued to each aircraft, including runway assignments and the timing of the go-around instruction
• Minimum separation standards and whether they were maintained throughout the approaches
• Controller workload, traffic complexity, and runway configuration at the time
• Cockpit decision-making and aircraft performance during the go-around and landing sequence

Both the NTSB and FAA investigations are expected to determine how the runway and approach clearances were managed and identify any procedural or systemic factors that contributed to the close call.