RVP Mike Robicheau:
Logan Tower has many unique challenges due to its compact
runway space. Being able to identify an aircraft landing at night
with no lights turned on is hard enough already, let alone having
the ability to immediately identify when the aircraft begins to go
off course from the runway to the taxiway. Leshinsky and Knight's
experience and lightning-fast instincts saved lives that day. I am
extremely proud of both of my New England Region brothers.
NEW ENGLAND REGION 17
Everyone in the tower kept an especially careful eye on the aircraft as it was on its short base over the
channel. The aircraft came in on a short dogleg. When the plane rolled out with less than an eighth
of a mile to go, it was actually lined up for Taxiway B instead of 4L. What happened next occurred in
a matter of seconds.
Leshinsky: 4872, go around. Go around. Go around now! Go around.
PDT4872: I'm goin' around 4872.
Leshinsky: 4872 climb and maintain three thousand.
It was Knight who noticed immediately that the aircraft was lined up for the taxiway. After Leshinsky
issued the go-around instruction, the aircraft began to pull up and flew over a JetBlue aircraft that
was on the taxiway.
The controllers' teamwork and attention to detail working a busy traffic area prevented a potentially
devastating outcome.
NNE
