A terrifying close call occurred in the skies above Syracuse, New York, on July 8, 2024, when two airplanes, carrying a combined total of 159 passengers, nearly collided mid-air. The incident, now under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has raised serious concerns about air traffic control procedures at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
The Incident
The two planes involved were Delta Air Lines Flight 5421, operated by Endeavor Air, with 80 passengers on board, and American Airlines Flight 5511, operated by American Eagle, carrying 79 passengers. The near collision was the result of an air traffic control error that cleared both planes for the same runway at nearly the same time—one for landing and the other for takeoff.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., American Airlines Flight 5511 was cleared for takeoff, heading for New York City. Just three minutes later, at 11:43 a.m., Delta Flight 5421 was cleared to depart from the same runway. As the American Airlines flight began to climb after takeoff, the Delta flight was accelerating down the runway for its ascent.
The critical error was first noticed by the American Airlines pilot, who urgently questioned air traffic control, asking, “Wait, who’s cleared to take off on 28?”
Realizing the imminent danger, air traffic control quickly instructed the American Airlines flight to “take to the sky” and perform a go-around maneuver to avoid the Delta plane that was accelerating down the runway.
Close Encounter Captured on Camera
The near-miss was captured on a dash cam video recorded by a police officer from the North Syracuse Police Department. The footage shows a heart-stopping moment as one plane descends while the other climbs, both appearing to be on a collision course. A North Syracuse police officer, visibly alarmed, is seen pointing to the sky as the planes approach each other.
At their closest point, the planes were just 725 feet (220 meters) apart, with the American Airlines flight passing directly over the Delta aircraft. The American flight then veered off to the side, avoiding the Delta plane and preventing what could have been a catastrophic disaster.
Investigation and Response
The FAA has launched a thorough investigation to determine how such a critical error occurred. The incident has also sparked a broader discussion about the safety protocols and communication systems in place to prevent similar near-misses in the future.
Delta Airlines has released a statement saying it is working closely with aviation authorities in their ongoing commitment to safety. Both airlines have expressed relief that the incident did not result in any injuries or fatalities, but the close call has left many passengers and aviation experts shaken.
Conclusion
The incident at Syracuse Hancock International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety measures and precise communication in the aviation industry. While the quick reactions of the pilots and air traffic control prevented a disaster, the near miss underscores the need for continued vigilance to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew in the skies.
As the FAA continues its investigation, the aviation community will be closely monitoring the findings and any recommendations that may arise to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
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