Close Call in the Skies: U.S. Passenger Flight and Military Jet Narrowly Avoid Collision

Introduction to the Incident

A U.S. passenger flight preparing to leave the nation’s capital and an incoming military jet received instructions to divert and prevent a possible collision, officials said.

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The Incident Unfolds

Delta Air Lines Flight 2983 was cleared for takeoff at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday around 3:15 p.m., the same time four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon aircraft were inbound, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

The jets were heading for a flyover of Arlington National Cemetery when the Delta aircraft received an onboard alert of a nearby aircraft. Air traffic controllers “issued corrective instructions to both aircraft,” according to the FAA, which intends to investigate.

Air Traffic Control Communications

According to a recording of air traffic control communications, Delta’s pilot asked, “Was there an actual aircraft about 500 ft below us as we came off of DCA?”

In a recording archived by aviation site LiveATC.net, the controller responded: “Delta 2983, affirmative.”

Flight Details

The Airbus A319 with 131 passengers, two pilots and three flight attendants was embarking on a regularly scheduled flight between Reagan and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Delta Airlines said.

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The flight left its gate at 2:55 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive at Minneapolis-St. Paul at 4:36 p.m. local time before the flight crew followed the diversion instructions from the controllers, the airline said.

Outcome and Investigation

No injuries were reported.

The Air Force’s website describes the T-38 Talon as “a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer” used by different departments and agencies, including NASA, for various roles, including pilot training.

Recent History of Incidents

The incident comes just two months after a midair collision above the same airport killed 67 people. The Jan. 29 crash between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army helicopter was the deadliest U.S. plane crash in more than two decades. Both aircraft plunged into the Potomac River, killing everyone aboard.

Conclusion

The close call between the U.S. passenger flight and the military jet highlights the importance of air traffic control and the need for vigilance in the skies. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the close call.

FAQs

Q: What happened in the incident?

A U.S. passenger flight and an incoming military jet received instructions to divert and prevent a possible collision, officials said.

Q: Which flight was involved in the incident?

Delta Air Lines Flight 2983 was the passenger flight involved in the incident.

Q: What type of military jet was involved?

The military jet involved was a U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon.

Q: Were there any injuries reported?

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Q: What is the T-38 Talon used for?

The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used by different departments and agencies, including NASA, for various roles, including pilot training.