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FAA Investigating Harrison Ford’s Landing Incident

Actor and aviation advocate reportedly landed on a taxiway at John Wayne Airport.

Actor Harrison Ford reportedly had a close call this week when landing his single-engine Husky at California’s John Wayne Airport (SNA).

Ford, an experienced pilot and noted aviation advocate, flew over an airliner full of passengers and landed on a commercial airport taxiway, according to NBC News. The FAA says it’s investigating the incident.

“Air traffic controllers cleared the pilot of a single-engine Aviat Husky to land on Runway 20L at John Wayne Airport Monday afternoon,” FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said in a prepared statement. “The pilot correctly read back the clearance. The pilot then landed on a taxiway that runs parallel to the runway, overflying a Boeing 737 that was holding short of the runway.”

Harrison Ford Young Eagles
Harrison Ford working with EAA’s Young Eagles program, of which he is a former chairman, at Oshkosh in July 2016. EAA/Michael Steineke

The 737, American Airlines Flight 1456, safely took off a few minutes later.

Ford reportedly asked air traffic control, “Was that airliner meant to be underneath me?”

Landing on a taxiway is a clear violation of FAA regulations, but it’s still unknown what action the agency will take after the investigation is completed.

Ford is a long-time pilot and aircraft owner who has been celebrated by groups like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association for his general aviation advocacy work.

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