FAA Probes Delta-American Near-Miss at Boston Logan

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a near-miss incident at Boston Logan International Airport involving two commercial flights. According to multiple reports, a Delta Air Lines jet came within approximately 300 feet of an American Airlines plane that was departing from an intersecting runway on Saturday.

The Delta flight, which originated from Dallas and had 129 passengers and six crew members on board, executed a go-around to avoid the American Airlines aircraft. The FAA stated that the crew coordinated with air traffic control to perform the procedure safely. Go-arounds are routine safety maneuvers performed at the discretion of pilots or air traffic controllers.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced on Monday it is also opening an investigation into the incident. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 suggests that the planes were about 325 to 350 feet apart at the intersection between the runways, with the actual distance likely being slightly smaller.

Air traffic control audio has revealed the tense moment two planes almost collided on Saturday at Boston Logan International Airport. The near miss happened at around 11:34 a.m. ET and involved an American Airlines flight that had been cleared for takeoff minutes earlier and a rapidly approaching Delta Air Lines flight that was set to land, according to FlightRadar24.

The pilot of the Delta flight told the tower that he was going to execute a go-around to avoid the American flight. The Delta pilot was heard saying per LiveATC.net: 'Delta... uhh... 2351 going around because of American.' A controller then said moments later: 'American 3161, where are you going?' The American pilot responded: 'You cleared us for takeoff 3161.'

After the Delta plane abandoned its initial landing, the pilot was told to 'maintain 3,000' feet twice by controllers. The aircraft landed about 10 minutes later at 11:45 a.m. ET, according to FlightRadar24.

A Delta Air Lines spokesperson told Fox News Digital that while the plane was descending, the crew 'received an advisory from onboard systems of potential traffic.' The spokesperson said there were 129 passengers and six crew members aboard the Delta flight, all of whom got off the plane safely. 'Delta aircraft are equipped with technology to warn crews of potential conflicts with other aircraft and our pilots train extensively to respond,' the spokesperson said.

The incident has drawn attention from aviation experts and federal officials. Todd Curtis, a former Boeing safety engineer, described the event as significant due to its proximity and involvement of professional airline crews. He noted that federal aviation officials have been concerned about such runway incursions for some time.

In response to the incident, the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday. The subcommittee aims to seek ways to strengthen safety across the national airspace system in light of recent near-misses and runway incursions at U.S. airports. Senator Jerry Moran, who chairs the aviation subcommittee, emphasized the importance of addressing challenges facing the aviation system.

During the hearing, Sen. Tammy Duckworth credited the Delta flight crew with saving lives by executing a go-around to avoid a collision with an American Airlines Boeing 737. 'The crew of the Delta flight spotted the American Boeing 737 and executed a go-around to avoid a collision, saving the lives of the 129 passengers and six crew members on board,' Duckworth said.

Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, will testify at the hearing, acknowledging that while the system is safe, improvements are necessary. He stated in his written testimony that any signs of stress in the system demand a deliberate response to prevent future incidents. Congress is currently considering competing aviation safety reform measures following a January 2025 collision near Reagan Washington National Airport.