But the situation boiled over last fall when Northwest pilots went on strike, shutting the airline down for 15 days and stranding thousands of travelers.

The Northwest pilots were reported to have been drinking less than eight hours before their flight.

The Northwest pilot saw the other craft and maneuvered behind it, passing at the same altitude at a distance of 2,000 feet.

Northwest pilots later agreed to a $358 million annual pay cut.

The average Northwest pilot now is paid $120,000 a year, according to the union.

Safety board investigators said some of the known safety infractions by Northwest pilots were especially troubling.

A Northwest pilot described his own forgetfulness.

Federal aviation officials have launched an investigation into why the Northwest pilot failed to clear the runway.

Northwest pilots, who earn roughly $125,000 a year on average, will see their annual pay cut by roughly $19,375.

(Late in the week, Northwest pilots reached a tentative agreement with the company.)