[VeniVidiVici]

The pilot knew that the airport was to close at 12, he must have thought that he could get there before the time. There must be more to the story like a creeping departure delay, ATC flow control restrictions (probably not at that hour), mechanical problems causing a return to the gate, delaying departure for connecting passengers...you get the idea.

You forgot not getting paid unless the wheels go up.

[Erik Latranyi]

The article states that they thought they could get there in time after a delay on the ground in Charlotte for thunderstorms.

If you ask me, the air traffic tower guys are the ones responsible for this as they could have stayed a few more minutes to allow the plane to land, then close.

But these guys are unionized and don’t give a hoot. The plane was already in range and had contacted the tower when they were told the tower was closing.

This is union inflexibility.

[BatGuano]

“Flight time” actually starts when the brakes are released at the gate. The flight time to and from Charlotte did give the pilots more flight time credit but I really doubt that this was the reason for the attempt to operate the trip.