American Airlines Flight Aborts Landing at D.C. Airport to Prevent Collision
An American Airlines jet aborted a landing at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., to avoid a collision with another plane on Tuesday morning, aviation officials said.
The FAA explained that the maneuver was critical to “ensure separation was maintained between this aircraft and a preceding departure from the same runway.”
Understanding the Go-Around Protocol in Aviation
“American has a no-fault go-around policy as a go-around is not an abnormal flight maneuver and can occur nearly every day in the National Airspace System,” the airline stated. They emphasized that this tactic is an essential tool for both pilots and air traffic controllers, designed to uphold safety and efficiency in aviation operations. Any claim suggesting that flight 2246’s aborted approach held more weight is simply inaccurate.
Within just 90 minutes, another flight in Chicago faced a similar scenario. Southwest Flight 2504, inbound from Omaha, almost made contact with the runway at Chicago Midway Airport at 9:50 a.m. ET, only to have its pilot skillfully retract the aircraft’s nose upward to avoid a Flexjet business jet that had entered its trajectory unexpectedly.
The FAA shared that the “business jet entered the runway without authorization,” urging further investigation into the incident by both the agency and the National Transportation Safety Board.
A Southwest representative confirmed to Fox News that its crew adhered to safety protocols, and the flight landed safely, devoid of any incidents. Nevertheless, these two near-misses raise pressing concerns about aviation safety, especially given the series of unsettling air travel events noted recently.
Reflection on Recent Aviation Incidents
Earlier on the same day, a United Airlines flight with nearly 200 passengers had to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, as the airline cited a “possible mechanical issue” mid-flight. The day prior, a Delta Air Lines flight returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport because passengers reported a “haze” in the cabin. Thankfully, everyone exited the aircraft safely, with no reported injuries.
These occurrences underscore a broader conversation surrounding aviation safety, especially considering a tragic event when an American Airlines plane collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 26, resulting in the deaths of all 67 people aboard both aircraft—marking the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. since 2009.
Within 48 hours following that tragedy, yet another heartbreaking incident transpired when a medical ambulance flight, carrying a child patient and her family, crashed in Philadelphia, tragically claiming the lives of seven, including everyone on board, while injuring 19 others. Such patterns raise questions about what can be done to enhance safety in the skies.
Unexpectedly, in early February, a commuter plane in Alaska crashed, killing all 10 aboard. Later in the same month, a Delta Air Lines flight flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, bursting into flames. Miraculously, all individuals on board survived the frightening ordeal, though 21 people experienced various injuries.
Amidst these sobering events, it’s crucial for airlines, regulatory bodies, and the general public to engage in dialogue about improving safety measures and maintaining vigilance in air travel. Every move in the air carries a weight of responsibility, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone should always remain the priority.
