Lufthansa jet narrowly avoids collision at JFK

By Jordana Ossad, CNN

June 22, 2011 -- Updated 1652 GMT (0052 HKT)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: A spokesman for EgyptAir said the plane did not move until the tower issued clearance
• The near miss Monday was captured on audio recordings
• EgyptAir flight made a wrong turn while taxiing
• FAA is investigating

New York (CNN) -- A Lufthansa jumbo jet nearly collided with another plane at John F. Kennedy International Airport Monday after an EgyptAir flight apparently veered into its path just as the jet barreled down the runway, according to air traffic controller tapes.
The near miss was captured on audio recordings, revealing an air traffic controller communicating with the Lufthansa pilot, yelling "Cancel takeoff! Cancel takeoff plans!" as the two planes moved toward each other.
The pilot of the Lufthansa jet acknowledged as the plane rolled to a halt.
Lufthansa Flight 411, an Airbus 340 packed with 286 passengers and crew, was cleared for takeoff by air traffic control shortly before 7 p.m. Monday, according to a statement from Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen.
EgyptAir Flight 986, a Boeing 777, was issued instructions to taxi from the ramp area to the airfield for departure, but made a wrong turn, the statement said.
A spokesman for EgyptAir said the flight was delayed 40 minutes because Lufthansa's departure was delayed.
The plane did not move until the tower issued clearance, said spokesman Mohamed Rahma.
After a brief inspection at the gate, the Lufthansa flight continued on its flight to Munich, Germany, and arrived safely, according to Lufthansa spokesman Martin Riecken.
The FAA is currently investigating the incident.