The Gonzaga University men's basketball team had no idea they were involved in Friday's horrific plane crash at Los Angeles International Airport.
“We are aware that the incident at LAX is under investigation and will review information as it becomes available,” the university said in an email Monday afternoon. “While the team members on board the aircraft were not aware of the circumstances at the time of the occurrence, we are grateful that the incident ended safely for everyone.”
The Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation after a Delta Air Lines plane carrying the team nearly collided with a plane operated by Key Lime Air while taking off from LAX around 4:30 p.m. Friday.
“As for the question about that,” Bulldogs sixth-year guard Kalife Battle said Monday night after scoring 21 points in an 89-82 win over Pepperdine in the West Coast Conference opener. I can't answer that.”
There were no injuries.
Gonzaga was in Los Angeles on Saturday for a game against UCLA at the Clippers' new home, the Intuit Dome, but lost 65-62.
Third-year forward Braden Huff said he is looking forward to Thursday's home game against Portland.
“So I'm happy with the 1-1 win on our road trip. We want to go 2-0, so just being able to get back to Spokane and play again on Thursday would give us another chance.” It feels good,” said Huff, who scored 19 points against Pepperdine.
The horrifying scene was captured on airline video broadcast live on Friday.
As the Delta plane carrying the Gonzaga men's basketball team took off, air traffic controllers could be heard telling the Key Lime Air flight to stop on the runway.
The Key Lime Air plane briefly stopped before being advised to cross the runway.
“Air traffic controllers directed Key Lime Flight 563 not to cross the runway at Los Angeles International Airport as a second aircraft was taking off from the runway at the time,” the FAA said in a statement. . “As the Embraer E135 attempted to cross the hold bar, air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to stop. The jet never crossed the runway threshold.”
Delta Air Lines said it was not aware of any communication from the FAA.
“Delta Flight 471 is operating normally and we are not aware of any communication from the FAA regarding this flight. We are cooperating with aviation authorities' investigation,” the airline said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. said in an email.
