A Delta Airlines plane narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a military jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on a busy Friday afternoon, setting off alarms and leading to quick evasive actions by the pilots.
According to the New York Post, on this recent Friday, Delta Flight 2983 came alarmingly close to a formation of Air Force jets shortly after takeoff.
The incident involved Delta Air Lines Flight 2983, which was carrying 131 passengers, three flight attendants, and two pilots. The flight had departed for Minneapolis-St. Paul, after being cleared for takeoff around 3:15 p.m. local time.
Shortly after departure, as the Airbus A319 soared south over the Potomac River, it crossed paths with four Northrop T38 Talon jets from the Air Force. This unexpected encounter triggered a resolution advisory alert in the airplane's cockpit.
Evasive Maneuvers and Safety Protocols Activated
The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System onboard issued the resolution advisory, which prompted the flight crew to immediately undertake evasive maneuvers to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
During these tense moments, pilots contacted air traffic control. Audio from LiveATC.net captures the pilots' inquiry about "an actual aircraft about 500 ft below us as we came off of DCA," to which the air traffic controller responded affirmatively.
The near-miss not only raised concerns but also brought back memories of a deadly mid-air collision that occurred just two months prior at the same airport, involving a helicopter and a small plane that tragically resulted in 67 fatalities.
Investigations Launched to Prevent Future Incidents
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly began an investigation into the near-miss. This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about air traffic safety, especially in crowded airspace adjacent to key airports.
Following the January tragedy, the FAA had imposed stricter controls on helicopter operations around the airport. The recent close call has led to reviews of whether these measures are sufficient or need strengthening.
This particular encounter involved a military jet that was part of a formation headed toward Arlington National Cemetery.
This jet, carrying two servicemembers, crossed dangerously close to the commercial plane, emphasizing the need for stringent oversight.
Community and Official Responses to the Incident
Delta Air Lines was quick to state the incident. A spokesperson emphasized that "nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people," praising the crew for their adherence to strict safety protocols.
Senator Amy Klobuchar also commented on the perilous incident, describing it as "unbelievably dangerous" and expressing relief that a tragedy was averted through the skillful actions of the flight crew and the built-in collision avoidance systems.
This incident comes at a time when air travel safety is under increased scrutiny, not just in the United States, but globally. The close call serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in the airspace around busy airports and the importance of maintaining rigorous safety systems.
