Bizjets Collide after Unauthorized Takeoff Attempt

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched an investigation team to William P. Hobby Airport (KHOU) in Houston after two private jets suffered substantial damage in a recent collision there. In a statement, the FAA noted that a Hawker 850XP (registered as N269AA to Whitmore Holdings of Chicago) was attempting to depart on Runway 22 without air traffic control clearance when it clipped a Cessna Citation Mustang that was landing on the intersecting Runway 13R.

The Hawker—which sustained damage to its left wing—was able to get airborne and returned safely to the airport within five minutes of takeoff. The Mustang received damage to its tail section during the impact.

There were no injuries reported, but the incident initiated a ground stop while debris was collected and removed from the runways. It snarled traffic at KHOU for several hours and caused delays, cancellations, and diversions for more than 100 flights.

According to an airport spokesperson, the Mustang was taken to the Wilson Air Center FBO, while the Hawker was brought to the Signature Aviation facility. An onsite NTSB examination in situations such as this typically takes three to five days, the Safety Board told BJT.