By Charles Switzer
2:46pm PST, Jan 15, 2025
'Loss of Required Separation'
On Saturday, January 11, a critical and
"scary" aviation incident unfolded near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport involving Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 from Detroit and United Airlines Flight 1724 from San Francisco.
Both aircrafts, carrying a combined total of 368 passengers, experienced a "loss of required separation" during their final approach to the airport. This term refers to the breach of the minimum safe distance mandated between aircrafts to prevent mid-air collisions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation to determine the factors leading to this serious safety lapse.
Here's what happened.
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Collision Alerts and Pilot Responses
As the planes converged, onboard collision avoidance systems issued urgent alerts to the flight crews, signaling the immediate danger of proximity,
People reported. In response, air traffic control provided corrective instructions to both pilots to adjust their flight paths and altitudes.
The swift actions of the pilots, adhering to these directives, were instrumental in averting a potential disaster. Both aircrafts subsequently landed safely at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Reaction
The incident was witnessed by local aviation enthusiast
Justin Giddens, who captured the near-miss on video. Giddens recounted his alarm upon observing the two planes on intersecting paths, stating, "It was immediate panic mode… it was very, very close."
"I know the way the planes are supposed to be in the pattern on approach to Sky Harbor," he said. "So the big and the small plane kind of make it look like they were a lot further apart, [but] it was very, very close."
His footage has since circulated widely, prompting public concern over aviation safety protocols and the effectiveness of air traffic control measures in preventing potential
crashes.
Airlines' Statements and Safety Protocols
In the aftermath, both
Delta Air Lines and
United Airlines issued statements emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety.
Delta highlighted that their flight crews are "extensively trained to handle uncommon scenarios such as this," highlighting the effectiveness of their training programs.
UA confirmed that their pilots "acted immediately" upon receiving the cockpit alert, following established safety procedures to ensure the aircraft's safe landing.
FAA Investigation and Industry Implications
The FAA's ongoing investigation aims to uncover the root causes of the incident, including potential lapses in air traffic control communications, pilot actions and the functionality of onboard alert systems.
Findings from this inquiry are anticipated to influence future regulatory measures and training protocols within the aviation industry, reinforcing the imperative of stringent safety standards to prevent similar occurrences.
Historical Context and Safety Record
While near-miss incidents are rare, they serve as critical reminders of the complexities involved in air traffic management and the importance of adherence to safety protocols to avoid a "seconds from disaster" type of scenario.
"The aviation industry maintains rigorous standards to ensure passenger safety and continuous improvements are made in response to such events to uphold and enhance these safety measures," an aviation expert shared on X.
