![]()
Photo of plane at CVG, not plane from go-aroundA possible collision was avoided when a cargo plane initiated a go-around after seeing another plane on the runway at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) on Sunday.
Nearby witness Grayson McClain captured the incident for WLWT 5 News, showing the incoming cargo plane pull up and veer left to circle around and land safely after the other plane had fully departed. A go-around is essentially a second chance at a landing. Most pilots will typically conduct a missed approach, rejected landing, or go-around when safety is compromised. A go-around may be conducted if a pilot is too far down the runway to stop safely, due to weather conditions or if there is an aircraft or object on the runway.
The FAA told WLWT that this was not a close call, but a routine procedure done by pilots and air traffic controllers out of precaution, safe separation was maintained and the pilot and controller took action before an unsafe condition occurred. Greater Cincinnati flight instructor Tim Epperhart talked with the local station, sharing that the pilot made the right decision.
"There are some teachable moments here," Epperhart told WLWT. "I think the aircraft in the air did exactly what he was supposed to do. I think the aircraft that was on the ground was following his instructions. Whether or not he departed as quickly as he should have, I don't know, because I don't know the timing."
There are many reasons to reject a landing, but a second try at landing is generally preferred to crashing. With a rise in close calls and runway incursions nationwide, quick-thinking can save lives. The pilot used his skills and avoided a possible collision by aborting the landing and performing a go-around.