Southwest Airlines Jet Arriving From Dallas Hits And Kills Person On Runway At Austin Airport
AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating after a person was hit and killed while on a runway at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
It was just after 8:00 p.m. when a Southwest Airlines pilot reported seeing a person on runway 17-Right, shortly after landing,and tried to maneuver away from the individual.
Soon after, the driver of an airport operations vehicle reported finding a person dead on the runway.
CBS News obtained a photo of the damage to plane. It shows damage to the left engine cowling, including a sizable dent on the cowling's leading edge. A cowling is the outside housing of an engine.
A spokesman for the airport, officials do not believe the male victim, who has not been identified, was supposed to be on the runway, but they're working to confirm that. Television station in Austin are reporting that the person was not dressed as an airport worker and did not have airport identification.
Flight 1392 was arriving from Love Field Airport in Dallas. After landing the Boeing 737 was able to taxi to a gate where all passengers and crew deplaned safely. There were no reports of injuries onboard.
Southwest says they are cooperating with local law enforcement and FAA as they investigate the incident.
