Controller blamed for close call

GULFPORT, Miss. -- The National Transportation Safety Board found a near-midair collision at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in June was likely caused by errors made by an air-traffic controller. He cleared a Cessna for takeoff and 16 seconds later cleared a Continental Express jet to take off on a different runway. While both aircraft were about 300 feet above the airfield the jet passed in front of the Cessna, coming as close as about 300 feet. (Source: Sun Herald, 01/18/12)