Air Traffic Controller Prevents Possible Midair Disaster After Two American Airlines Jets Share Same Flight Number
A Phoenix air traffic controller prevented a potentially dangerous midair situation after two American Airlines jets were mistakenly operating under the same flight number at the same time, according to the Associated Press.
Both aircraft were using the call sign American 2482 shortly after midnight Friday near Phoenix.
One plane was arriving from Chicago, while another aircraft using the same flight number had already departed Phoenix.
The unusual duplication created a potentially confusing situation as both aircraft were communicating on the same air traffic control frequency.
Controller Quickly Separates the Two Jets
The controller recognized the problem and began distinguishing the planes as “American 2482 on the arrival” and “American 2482 on the departure.”
He kept the arriving aircraft safely above the departing jet as their flight paths converged and instructed the departing plane not to climb too high.
The controller also ensured the pilots could see each other while the aircraft were still several miles apart.
Both flights continued safely without incident.
Weather Delay Led to Duplicate Flight Numbers
American Airlines Flight 2482 normally operates as a round-trip service between Chicago and Phoenix.
The Chicago departure had been delayed by weather, while American Airlines used a second aircraft in Phoenix to operate the return flight on time.
As a result, the two aircraft briefly ended up flying simultaneously under the same flight number.
The Federal Aviation Administration and American Airlines are investigating how the duplication occurred.
American Airlines praised the professionalism of the air traffic controller and pilots, saying required separation between the aircraft was maintained throughout the incident. (apnews.com)
