Alaska Airlines Flight 528 Executes Go-Around at SFO Due to Runway Obstruction

Alaska Airlines Flight 528 Go-Around: Understanding the Incident

On November 10, 2026, Alaska Airlines Flight 528 executed a go-around maneuver at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This action occurred after the pilot observed another aircraft taxiing near the runway, creating a situation that required a safe response. A go-around, also known as a balked landing, is a procedure where an aircraft aborts its landing approach and climbs back into the air. This decision is made for various safety reasons, often when the landing path is not clear or safe.

The pilot of Flight 528 made the decision to go around after spotting the other aircraft herself. She informed passengers that the plane was crossing the end of the runway, posing a potential risk to their landing. While an air traffic controller did not issue a warning, the pilot determined that returning for another approach was the safest course of action. This event highlights the constant vigilance required by pilots, especially in busy airspace like that of SFO.

What is a Go-Around?

A go-around is a standard aviation procedure initiated when a pilot decides not to complete a landing. This can happen for many reasons, including unstable approach conditions, runway incursions, or unexpected obstacles. The pilot will increase engine power and climb away from the runway, usually following a specific procedure to re-enter the air traffic pattern for another landing attempt. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that go-arounds occur at a rate of about one to three per 1,000 flights, indicating they are not uncommon but are taken seriously.

The Pilot’s Account of the Incident

The pilot of Alaska Airlines Flight 528 explained her decision to the passengers over the cabin audio system. She described seeing an aircraft “taxiing across the end of the runway that was questionable, in terms of the proximity to our arrival runway.” This statement suggests that the other aircraft’s position was close enough to the intended landing path to warrant concern. The pilot emphasized that the crew believed the safest choice was to “come back around and do it again.” This proactive approach prioritizes passenger safety above all else.

Tracking Data and Potential Aircraft Involved

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that two aircraft had landed on the same runway shortly before Flight 528. It remains unclear which of these aircraft the pilot observed. Aviation experts note that SFO’s airspace is known for being congested, with a high volume of aircraft movements. This density requires pilots and air traffic controllers to maintain a high level of situational awareness. Investigators will likely examine factors such as the speed of the taxiing aircraft and the spacing between planes to understand the incident fully.

Passenger Experience During the Go-Around

Passengers aboard Flight 528 described a noticeable and sudden upward movement as the aircraft climbed away from its descent. One passenger, Jake Milstein, characterized the maneuver as “a bit of a jerk,” distinguishing it from a gentle ascent. This abrupt change in motion understandably caused some passenger concern and uncertainty. Milstein expressed gratitude for the pilot’s quick recognition of the situation and her decision to prioritize safety. After circling, the aircraft successfully landed at SFO.

Previous Incidents at SFO

San Francisco International Airport has experienced other aviation incidents involving close calls and aborted landings. In 2017, an Air Canada flight mistakenly lined up to land on a taxiway instead of a runway. More recently, on May 19, 2023, pilots from United and Alaska Airlines also aborted landings after encountering a Southwest aircraft on their runways. These past events underscore the challenges of managing air traffic in a busy airport environment and the importance of robust safety protocols.

Expected Safety Investigations

Following the go-around incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 528, safety investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are anticipated. These agencies will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the event to determine the precise level of risk and identify any contributing factors. Findings from these investigations will be crucial in understanding what happened and in potentially implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The exact risk level has not yet been determined, and any official findings will be closely watched by the aviation community.

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