A Philadelphia-based air traffic controller's quick actions prevented a potentially catastrophic collision between two aircraft near Newark Liberty International Airport in early May.
Just The News reports that Jonathan Stewart, a supervisor at the Terminal Radar Approach Control facility in Philadelphia, intervened when two planes were heading toward each other at the same altitude, directing them to alter their courses and avoid disaster.
Stewart's life-saving intervention occurred amid a series of concerning technical failures at Newark's air traffic control systems. The incident involved a business jet departing from Morristown airport and a small aircraft taking off from Teterboro, both in New Jersey. Following his quick thinking and decisive action, Stewart took stress-related trauma leave, citing mounting pressure and systemic issues within the Federal Aviation Administration.
Newark Liberty International Airport has experienced significant disruptions since late April, with three major system outages causing widespread flight delays. On April 28, controllers faced a complete breakdown of radar and communications systems, losing both radar displays and radio contact with aircraft for approximately one minute. This critical failure originated from a major outage at the TRACON facility, which oversees Newark's airspace management.
Similar technical difficulties emerged again on May 9, temporarily severing communication between controllers and pilots. A third incident occurred on Sunday, though its impact was minimized thanks to a functioning backup system that maintained radar capabilities. These recurring issues highlight persistent technological vulnerabilities in the air traffic control infrastructure.
After the near-collision incident, Stewart shared his concerns in an email to FAA managers, warning about the seriousness of the situation and criticizing how the agency’s leadership was handling it.
In that message, Stewart described the overwhelming pressure controllers face, writing to FAA officials:
I take my job very seriously, as I do the safety of the flying public, and take pride in my performance. The situation is, has been and continues to be unsafe. The amount of stress we are under is insurmountable.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s response to recent incidents indicates a growing awareness of the seriousness of the situation. Stewart’s conversations with high-level FAA officials suggest the agency may be changing its approach, with what he described as a significant increase in financial investment to address the problems—something he says hasn’t happened before.
Despite this, the FAA has yet to fully confirm Stewart’s account of a near-collision, leaving unanswered questions about the risks in Newark’s airspace. The agency’s silence on key details has raised concerns about how transparent and accountable it is in handling safety issues.
The concerns extend beyond Newark, pointing to broader issues in air traffic control across the country. Stewart, who took leave due to stress-related trauma, highlighted the emotional toll the job can take. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, he said, “I don't want to be responsible for killing 400 people,” underscoring the intense pressure faced by air traffic controllers.
The recent events at Newark have exposed significant vulnerabilities in the nation's air traffic control infrastructure. These technical failures, combined with staffing challenges at air traffic facilities, present a complex web of issues that demand immediate attention. The FAA's struggle to maintain critical technology while ensuring adequate staffing levels poses serious concerns for aviation safety.
The incidents have sparked discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in air traffic control systems and operations. Industry experts point to the necessity of upgrading aging infrastructure and implementing more robust backup systems to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The situation also highlights the importance of addressing workplace stress and ensuring adequate support for air traffic control personnel.
Jonathan Stewart's intervention in early May prevented what could have been a devastating collision between two aircraft near Newark Liberty International Airport. The incident occurred against a backdrop of multiple system failures at the facility, including radar and communication outages that have disrupted hundreds of flights since late April.
The near-miss event, combined with Stewart's subsequent stress leave and criticism of FAA leadership, has brought attention to critical issues within the air traffic control system.
While the FAA appears to be taking steps to address these concerns through increased funding, questions remain about the long-term solutions needed to ensure the safety and reliability of air traffic operations at Newark and other major airports across the country.
