NTSB Cites Unauthorized Takeoff in Boston Near-Miss Report

Investigation has attributed a ‘flight crew taking off without clearance’ for the February incident at Logan International between a private jet and airliner.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, August 04, 2023 at 04:15 PM ET

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A still image from a video made by the jumpseat occupant [NTSB report]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB concluded a near-miss incident at Logan International Airport was caused by a private Learjet 60 pilot taking off without air traffic control clearance.
The Learjet crossed an active runway just as a JetBlue Embraer E-190 was about to land, forcing the JetBlue crew to execute an emergency go-around approximately 30 feet above the runway.
The Learjet pilot mistakenly believed he had takeoff clearance despite an instruction to "line up and wait" and only learned of the close call after landing at his destination.

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The National Transportation Safety Board has concluded a near miss involving a JetBlue airliner and a private business jet at Logan International Airport (KBOS) in Boston last winter was caused by the pilot of the private jet taking off without a clearance.

The incident at KBOS happened the night of February 27, 2023, involving a Learjet 60 and a Embraer E-190 operated by JetBlue.