FAA investigates near-collision between United and Delta flights over Phoenix
- Two passenger jets, Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 and United Airlines Flight 1724, came dangerously close while trying to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
- Both flight crews received cockpit alerts indicating the proximity of the other aircraft, prompting them to abort their approaches and land safely after corrective instructions from air traffic control.
- The FAA is investigating the incident amidst growing concerns about air traffic safety and recent trends of near-collisions in U.S. airports.
Recently, two passenger jets narrowly avoided a mid-air collision while attempting to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in the United States. The incident involved Delta Air Lines Flight 1070, which was inbound from Detroit with 245 passengers, and United Airlines Flight 1724, arriving from San Francisco with 123 passengers. The close call occurred on a Saturday, with both aircraft flying within approximately 1,200 feet laterally and 875 feet vertically of each other, triggering cockpit alerts for both flight crews. Fortunately, both planes managed to abort their landings, circle the airport, and land safely without any injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration noted that these jets issued alerts as the air traffic control provided corrective directives to the crews. An audible warning of "descend, descend" was sounded in the Delta jet's flight deck as they communicated with air traffic controllers. The United jet's pilots also received onboard alerts indicating the nearby presence of the Delta flight. This incident reflects ongoing tensions and potential risks in the air traffic management system, emphasizing critical issues regarding aviation safety due to rising instances of narrow escapes in recent years. Improvements in air traffic control measures and regulations are under review as the number of 'runway incursions'—situations where an aircraft is on a collision course with another plane or vehicle on the runway—seems to be increasing. The FAA has indicated a commitment to address these issues through enhanced training for air traffic controllers and holding focused summits designed to confront the recurrent risks to flight safety, especially through overcoming fatigue and ensuring precise situational awareness. Past incidents, including a near-miss at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport involving a FedEx and Southwest Airlines plane, have pushed regulatory bodies to take more stringent measures as they investigate underlying causes. The recent Phoenix incident underscores that improving the aviation system's reliability and safety is a pressing concern for the FAA and its stakeholders, given the potential ramifications for passenger safety and trust in air travel.