Close call between 2 planes at JFK

All the technology in the world can't replace a good set of eyes. Hope American reimburses Delta for the costs incurred by the delayed flight.

Apparently, some confusion there - AAL106 was supposed to cross 31L at Kilo and then go to 4L as its departing runway, but instead crossed 4L at Juliet.
The controller was very professional as were the pilots - despite the error - as they all worked to avoid a collision.

The released audio seems to point directly at AAL106 as the culprit. Clearly were told to cross 31L on Kilo and they proceeded on Juliet to cross 4L. I was surprised 106 was able to go ahead and depart after a chat with the tower.

ATC Audio:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N1gDSZJ5s0

What is concerning is that the AA Boeing, involved in a Runway Wrong Surface Event, actually took off for its scheduled flight to London. What state of mind were those pilots in, was safety further compromised?

It was always more dangerous taxing around then it was flying in my 40-year flying career. They started the sterile cockpit procedures around the late 80's to help with ground safety. Stuff still happens and always will. Had a plane cross our active runway at San Diego after we had already touched down. Slammed on the brakes in the MD-11 and kept it in max reverse since it was too late for any other action other than aiming for the grass. Lucked out. Ground had given the other plane a clearance to cross the runway.

Close don’t count. We drive down the hwy by the millions at 65 mph meeting oncoming traffic at 65 with 3’ separation.

Is the pilot one of those 'lets lower the bar'/'bottom of the barrel' new hires??