FAA Investigates Near-Miss Between Two Commercial Flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor

Thursday, January 16, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into a near-miss incident involving two inbound commercial flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Saturday. The close encounter involved a United Airlines flight from San Francisco and a Delta Air Lines flight from Detroit, raising concerns about air traffic management and safety protocols.

Details of the Incident

United Airlines Flight UA1724, a Boeing 737-900 carrying 123 passengers, was on its final approach to Phoenix from San Francisco International Airport. At the same time, Delta Flight DL1070, an Airbus A330-300 en route from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, was also approaching the airport for landing. A loss of separation between the two aircraft occurred during their descent, triggering immediate action from air traffic controllers to prevent a collision.

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Understanding Loss of Separation

Loss of separation refers to a situation where the minimum required distance between two aircraft—horizontally or vertically—is not maintained. This is a serious safety concern as it increases the risk of mid-air collisions, particularly during critical phases of flight like approach and landing. In this case, the circumstances leading to the near-miss are under FAA review, including air traffic controller instructions, flight crew actions, and potential contributing factors such as weather or traffic congestion.

Immediate Action Taken

Both flight crews were alerted to the situation, and air traffic controllers directed corrective maneuvers to ensure the aircraft maintained safe distances. Preliminary reports suggest that swift action by controllers and adherence to safety protocols by the pilots averted a potentially dangerous situation. Both flights landed safely at Phoenix Sky Harbor without incident, and no injuries were reported.

Airline Responses

Neither United Airlines nor Delta Air Lines has issued detailed public statements about the incident, deferring to the FAA’s ongoing investigation. Both airlines emphasized their commitment to passenger safety and strict adherence to aviation regulations. Delta noted that its Airbus A330-300 was carrying passengers on a regularly scheduled flight to Phoenix, and United confirmed the safe landing of its Boeing 737-900 following the incident.

Increasing Incidents Under Scrutiny

This near-miss comes amid growing scrutiny of air traffic incidents involving loss of separation. As air travel demand rises post-pandemic, the aviation industry faces challenges in managing increased traffic volume while ensuring strict safety compliance. Recent incidents have raised questions about whether air traffic control systems and staffing levels are equipped to handle the resurgence in air traffic.

FAA’s Role and Next Steps

The FAA’s investigation will examine radar data, air traffic communication recordings, and pilot debriefings to determine the cause of the incident and assess whether operational or procedural adjustments are needed. Findings from the investigation could lead to updates in training protocols, air traffic management practices, or technological enhancements to improve situational awareness for controllers and pilots.

Safety Measures in Perspective

While near-misses are rare, they serve as critical reminders of the importance of robust safety systems in aviation. The industry relies on multiple layers of defense, including air traffic controllers, advanced navigation systems, and pilot training, to mitigate risks. This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance as air travel resumes pre-pandemic levels and airport operations grow increasingly complex.

The FAA’s findings from this investigation will not only clarify what transpired at Phoenix Sky Harbor but also contribute to enhancing aviation safety protocols, ensuring that such incidents remain isolated and rare.