Close Call in the Skies
A terrifying incident unfolded on Monday afternoon in the skies above Syracuse, New York, when two planes carrying a combined 159 people narrowly avoided a mid-air collision.
Details of the flights
Eighty passengers were on board Delta Air Lines flight 5421, operated by Endeavor Air, while 79 passengers were on American Airlines flight 5511, operated by American Eagle.
Investigation underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, which appears to have been caused by an air traffic control error. Communications reveal that the American Airlines flight was cleared to land on runway 28 simultaneously as the Delta flight was cleared to take off from the same runway.
The error was first identified by the American Airlines pilot, who queried, “Wait, who’s cleared to take off on 28?” Air traffic control then instructed the American flight to “take to the sky” and “go around” to avoid the Delta flight.
Dash cam footage
A dash camera video recorded by the North Syracuse Police Department shows the dramatic moment. One plane can be seen descending while the other climbs, appearing to be on a collision course before narrowly passing each other. A police officer is seen pointing skyward in apparent panic.
According to CBS News, the planes came within 725 feet (220 meters) of each other, with the American Airlines plane flying directly over the Delta aircraft. The American flight then veered to the side, avoiding the Delta plane’s path, as captured by the police dash cam.
Statements from authorities
Delta Airlines has stated it is cooperating with aviation authorities, emphasizing their “shared commitment to safety above all else.” The FAA is diligently investigating the circumstances that led to this near-fatal error at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.