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Air traffic controller averts crisis as two jets share same call sign

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • An air traffic controller averted a potential disaster when two American Airlines jets with the same call sign converged on Thursday night.
  • The controller distinguished the planes by their arrival and departure status, ensuring they maintained safe separation.
  • The FAA is investigating the incident, which occurred due to a delayed flight requiring a different aircraft to take over the call sign.

A veteran air traffic controller's quick actions prevented a dangerous situation late Thursday night when two American Airlines flights, both assigned the same call sign, were on converging paths. The incident involved American Airlines Flight 2482 arriving in Phoenix, Arizona, and another flight with the same designation departing for Chicago.

I've been working air traffic for 25 years. I've never seen two aircraft pretty much merge with the same call sign. That's pretty incredible.

— Air Traffic ControllerDescribing the rarity and severity of the situation.

The controller, with 25 years of experience, realized the critical situation as the aircraft shared the same flight number and radio frequency. To ensure safety, the controller began issuing instructions, clearly differentiating between "American 2842 departing" and "American 2482 arriving." This precise communication allowed the aircraft to maintain the required separation and continue their journeys without incident.

It could have been disastrous, but I'm glad it all worked out.

— Air Traffic ControllerReflecting on the potential outcome and the successful resolution.

According to dispatch audio, the air traffic controller described the event as unprecedented, stating, "I've been working air traffic for 25 years. I've never seen two aircraft pretty much merge with the same call sign. That's pretty incredible." The controller added, "It could have been disastrous, but I'm glad it all worked out."

The diligence and professionalism of air traffic controllers and our pilots ensured required separation was always maintained and the issue was identified and addressed.

— American AirlinesAirline's statement on the professionalism involved in resolving the issue.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the planes maintained the necessary separation throughout the event and has launched an investigation. American Airlines explained that the situation arose because the original flight from Chicago O'Hare was delayed. A different aircraft was dispatched to take over the flight number for the passengers waiting in Phoenix, leading to the temporary use of the same call sign by two planes.

Both flights continued safely and without incident.

— American AirlinesConfirming the safe conclusion of the flight operations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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