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Close call between 2 Delta jets at Atlanta airport
The FAA says two Delta jets has a close call over Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta international airport. We obtained audio from that encounter.
ATLANTA - Federal Aviation Administration officials are investigating a close call after two Delta Air Lines flights narrowly missed each other on Monday night at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
What we know:
Delta flight 2472 to Rochester, New York, was taking off when it crossed in front of Delta flight 1568. The arriving flight came from Pittsburgh and was making its landing after a weather diversion in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The close call occurred around 11 p.m. on Monday. The pilot of flight 1568 conducted a go-around maneuver because another plane was reportedly slow to clear the runway when flight 2472 crossed in front of it.
"During the go-around, the flight crew maneuvered in accordance with established procedures while maintaining safe operations. Our crews train extensively to handle uncommon scenarios like this," a Delta spokesperson said.
Both aircraft triggered cockpit alerts after coming too close, and a pilot on flight 2472 reported "responding RA" over air traffic control audio, which means their aircraft's collision avoidance system triggered an urgent emergency warning, and they are actively maneuvering the plane to avoid another aircraft.
Air traffic controllers commanded the departing plane to turn and climb away. The aircraft landed safely and passengers deplaned normally.
Delta announced they are cooperating with investigating authorities.
What we don't know:
It remains unclear why the aircraft on the runway was delayed in clearing the area. The FAA has not announced a timeline for completing its investigation.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from Delta Air Lines, who explained flight details and provided official statements, as well as air traffic control audio recordings and the FAA.