FAA Investigates Close Call on LAX Taxiway After LaGuardia Runway Crash

Frontier Airlines jet narrowly avoids collision with service vehicles at Los Angeles airport.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:18pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, depicting the sweeping forms and scale of a modern airport, with a Frontier Airlines jet on a taxiway surrounded by service vehicles in the foreground, conceptually representing the close call incident at LAX.The close call at LAX highlights the ongoing risks of ground collisions at major airports, even as aviation safety protocols continue to evolve.Los Angeles Today

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident at Los Angeles International Airport where a Frontier Airlines jet narrowly avoided colliding with two service vehicles that crossed in front of it on a taxiway. The close call comes just weeks after a deadly crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport where an Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck while landing.

Why it matters

This latest incident raises further concerns about airport ground safety procedures and the potential for catastrophic collisions between aircraft and vehicles, especially in the wake of the recent deadly crash at LaGuardia. Aviation experts say these types of close calls happen frequently at airports across the country, underscoring the need for improved coordination and safety protocols.

The details

According to audio recordings, the Frontier pilot had to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting the two vehicles that crossed in front of the slowly moving plane on the taxiway late Wednesday night. No one was injured, but the FAA is investigating the incident. Frontier Airlines praised its crew for their 'vigilance and professionalism' in avoiding the collision.

  • The incident occurred around 11:25 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • It comes just weeks after the deadly crash at New York's LaGuardia Airport on March 22, 2026.

The players

Frontier Airlines

A major U.S. low-cost airline that operates the plane involved in the close call at LAX.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for investigating the incident and overseeing aviation safety.

Steve Arroyo

A longtime United Airlines pilot and aviation safety expert who commented on the frequency of these types of incidents at airports.

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What they’re saying

“It was real close. The closest I have ever seen.”

— Frontier Airlines pilot

“We thank our crew for their vigilance and professionalism.”

— Frontier Airlines

“Multiple incidents, accidents happening, just in March alone, I think it's time to put some serious eyes on what's going on on the ramp.”

— Steve Arroyo, Aviation safety expert, former United Airlines pilot

What’s next

The FAA will continue its investigation into the incident at LAX and work with airport officials to determine what safety protocols may need to be improved to prevent similar close calls in the future.

The takeaway

This latest near-miss at a major U.S. airport underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining ground safety and coordination between aircraft and service vehicles, especially in the wake of the deadly crash at LaGuardia. Aviation experts say these types of incidents are all too common, and more needs to be done to enhance safety procedures and oversight at airports across the country.