Two Passenger Planes Nearly Collide After Air Traffic Controller Makes Terrible Mistake

Two passenger jets came within roughly 670 feet of each other at Boston Logan International Airport after a cockpit warning, a delayed takeoff and confusion inside the control tower created a terrifying runway close call.

A preliminary report released by the National Transportation Safety Board details the June 20 incident involving Delta Air Lines Flight 2351 and American Airlines Flight 3161.

The frightening encounter unfolded at approximately 11:30 a.m. as the Delta jet approached Runway 33L for landing behind a smaller aircraft. At the same time, the American Airlines plane was preparing to take off from intersecting Runway 27.

Air traffic control cleared the American flight for departure, and the pilots began accelerating down the runway. Just eight seconds later, however, they reduced the aircraft’s speed to zero after receiving an error message in the cockpit.

After checking the system, the American pilots concluded that the warning was a false alarm and began accelerating again.

Meanwhile, the Delta pilots were continuing their approach.

According to statements provided after the incident, the Delta crew saw the smaller plane cross the runway intersection and heard American Flight 3161 receive clearance for takeoff. They believed the American jet would be airborne and safely out of the way before Delta reached the runway.

Instead, Delta’s first officer noticed the American plane move forward slightly and then come to a complete stop.

Realizing the two aircraft were on a potentially dangerous path, the Delta pilots immediately abandoned the landing and performed a go-around, climbing away from the runway before circling back for another attempt.

Investigators estimate that the two jets came within approximately 670 feet of each other.

One air traffic controller told investigators that he had watched the smaller plane land before clearing the American flight for takeoff. Believing the American jet had begun its departure roll, he shifted his attention back to the smaller aircraft to make sure it cleared the runway ahead of the incoming Delta plane.

Moments later, an anti-collision warning sounded inside the tower.

The controller recalled feeling confused because he believed the alert involved the smaller plane, which was already leaving the runway.

Investigators also learned that the controller normally slants the paper flight strip after clearing a plane for takeoff. In this case, the strip for American Flight 3161 had not been slanted, leading him to believe he had never issued the clearance.

“American 3161, where you going?” a controller can be heard asking in audio of the incident.

“You cleared us for takeoff, 3161,” the pilot responded.

No injuries were reported among the 131 passengers and five crew members aboard the Delta flight or the 176 passengers and six crew members aboard the American Airlines jet.

The NTSB’s investigation remains ongoing.