NEW YORK- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into a close call between American Airlines (AA) and Delta Air Lines (DL) planes in Syracuse (SYR), New York.
A dash camera video captured by local police shows two planes from major airlines appearing to narrowly avoid a mid-air collision.
American Delta Close Call at Syracuse
The incident occurred on Monday (July 8, 2024) at approximately 11:50 a.m. EDT near Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Preliminary evidence suggests that the two regional jets flew in extremely close proximity, coming within 725 feet of each other at their nearest point, CBS reported.
The close encounter stemmed from an apparent air traffic control error. Controllers initially cleared American Eagle Flight AA5511, a Bombardier CRJ-700 operated by PSA Airlines, to land on runway 28. Moments later, they gave Delta Connection DL5421, another CRJ-700 operated by Endeavor Air, permission to depart from the same runway.
Air traffic control audio reveals the confusion that ensued. A pilot on the American flight questioned,
Wait, who’s cleared to take off on 28?”
American Eagle Pilot asked ATC (Source LiveATC)
The controller promptly instructed the American pilot to abort the landing and “go around.”
Despite following these instructions, flight radar data shows the American plane continued on a path that took it over the runway as the Delta flight was taking off. As both aircraft climbed, the Delta plane briefly flew beneath the American plane, which was 725 feet above.
The American flight then turned and descended slightly, positioning itself about 675 feet above the Delta plane but 425 feet off its original path. This maneuver was captured by a North Syracuse Police Department vehicle’s dash camera, giving the alarming impression of an imminent collision.
FAA Investigate the Incident
Delta confirmed that Flight 5421, bound for New York City, carried 76 passengers and four crew members. American Airlines reported that Flight 5511, arriving from Washington, D.C., had 75 passengers and four crew members on board. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
While the FAA investigates the cause of this near-miss, both airlines have responded. Delta stated, “Endeavor Air and Delta will work with aviation authorities as we always do in our shared commitment to safety above all else.” American Airlines acknowledged the incident but deferred comments to the ongoing FAA probe.
This event adds to a series of recent air travel incidents that have heightened public concern about aircraft safety. However, the FAA reports that such incidents are becoming less frequent.
In the first five months of 2024, the rate of serious runway incursions decreased by 68% compared to the same period in 2023.
The Syracuse incident underscores the critical importance of clear communication and precise coordination in air traffic control to ensure the safety of passengers and crew in commercial aviation. As the investigation unfolds, it may lead to further improvements in aviation safety protocols.
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