Article:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an investigation into a near-collision incident between a Delta Air Lines flight and a US Air Force jet near Reagan Washington National Airport. The close call, which occurred on Friday, March 28, has once again raised serious concerns over aviation safety in the United States.
Details of the Incident
Delta Flight 2389, an Airbus A319 carrying 131 passengers and five crew members, was cleared for takeoff around 3:15 p.m. ET, en route to Minneapolis. Simultaneously, four US Air Force T-38 Talon jets were approaching Arlington National Cemetery for a scheduled flyover.
According to the FAA, the Delta aircraft received a cockpit collision alert, warning of a nearby aircraft. Air traffic controllers immediately issued corrective instructions to both the Delta flight and the Air Force jets to prevent a mid-air collision. The quick response ensured that the aircraft avoided disaster, but the proximity of the two planes has triggered a federal review.
CNN, citing audio from LiveATC.net, reported that the Delta pilot asked controllers if there was “an actual aircraft about 500 feet below us” after departing the airport. The controller confirmed the proximity, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Political Response and Safety Concerns
Following the incident, US Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota, who represents the Delta flight’s destination, criticized the situation as “unbelievably dangerous.” She vowed to seek answers from the Department of Defense (DoD) regarding why military jets were flying so close to a commercial aircraft.
“Thank God people are safe. My first call to the Department of Defense tomorrow: why are your planes flying 500 feet below passenger jets full of Minnesotans,” Klobuchar stated.
The Pentagon acknowledged the reports but declined to issue an immediate comment.
Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
This close call is part of a troubling pattern of near-miss incidents in US airspace, raising questions about the nation’s aviation safety and air traffic control systems.
On January 29, a mid-air collision near the same airport between a passenger jet and a US Army helicopter resulted in 67 fatalities. The crash marked the first deadly US passenger airline accident in 16 years. The tragedy prompted the FAA to impose permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around Reagan Airport. The agency also prohibited helicopters and passenger jets from flying in close proximity to each other.
In a separate incident last month, a Southwest Airlines flight came within 200 feet of a business jet at Chicago Midway Airport. The Southwest pilot was forced to abort the landing and make an emergency maneuver to avoid a potential collision.
Additionally, on March 1, more than a dozen flights approaching Reagan National Airport received false cockpit collision warnings, leading at least six to abort their landings. The FAA later confirmed that the false alerts were caused by government testing of counter-drone technology.
Delta and FAA’s Response
Delta Airlines confirmed that its flight crew followed all procedures and maneuvered the aircraft as instructed by air traffic control. The airline emphasized that it will fully cooperate with regulators during the investigation.
“The flight crew followed procedures to maneuver the aircraft as instructed… We will cooperate with regulators and aviation stakeholders in any review of this flight,” Delta said in a statement.
The FAA’s investigation will focus on whether proper protocols were followed by both the commercial and military aircraft, as well as the effectiveness of communication and collision avoidance systems.
Conclusion
The close call near Reagan National Airport is the latest in a series of alarming near-miss incidents in US airspace. With the FAA launching an investigation and lawmakers demanding accountability, the incident highlights the urgent need for strengthened aviation safety measures.
As air traffic continues to grow, the pressure is mounting on regulators and airlines to enhance collision prevention systems and ensure passenger safety. The outcome of the FAA’s investigation will be closely watched, as it could lead to further reforms aimed at preventing future close calls.
