A man was found dead on a runway in Austin, Texas, on Thursday night. Initial investigation suggests the victim was struck and killed by a landing aircraft.

According to a report, the pilot had seen the person after landing at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and tried to avoid a collision.

The Southwest Airlines Flight 1392 received clearance to land at the airport. It made a safe landing at 8:12 in the evening when it maneuvered to avoid an unidentified individual who suddenly appeared on the runway.

LiveATC streamed the radio conversation between the air traffic controllers and the pilot. The latter can be heard saying: "Looks like there might be a person on the runway." When asked where the person is, the pilot reports, "They're behind us."

The plane came to a stop. The pilot taxied the aircraft to the gate where the passengers and the crew safely disembarked.


Investigation

Shortly after the plane landed, authorities hurriedly checked the runway and found "a deceased adult male with trauma." First responders did not perform lifesaving measures. The unnamed individual was pronounced dead at 8:41 PM.

According to the Autin Police Department, the man was not a badged airport employee. He was also not allowed to be on the airport runway. Airport officials have yet to confirm whether he worked in some other position at the airport.

The aircraft was also seen with a sizable dent in its left engine cowling. It is still unclear how the plane was damaged.

The FAA will be investigating the incident and will assist the local police department in determining whether the plane had hit the victim. The FAA said the case was a "pedestrian fatality."


Airport Breach

The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport had already experienced security breaches in the past years.

In June 2018, a Georgetown man reportedly made it past airport security while carrying a loaded gun. According to police reports, the unnamed individual went through TSA Checkpoint 1 without any difficulties.

When the man got through security, he went to look for his headphones. Police, however, noticed he had a gun in one of the front pockets of his bag. The officer reported the finding to a Delta agent.

The man carried a Ruger LCP .380. and six bullets, which were not chambered. Police ran a background check and searched through the individual's bag. They also checked to make sure the gun was not stolen and that he carried no other illegal items.

The man apologized to the airport officials, claiming he was not aware the gun was inside his bag. He was later released without facing charges.

The TSA identified and fired the officer who did not identify the firearm at the security checkpoint.

In June 2017, a 29-year-old man named Jeffery McAfee was caught carrying a firearm inside his backpack. A TSA discovered the gun as the bag went through the X-Ray belt.

McAfee was brought to a screening area where he admitted the gun was his. He did not own a concealed handgun license.

The suspect carried a revolver with six .22-caliber rounds chambered. He was placed in custody and charged with a third-degree felony with a $5,000 bond.


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