Two passenger jets departing Los Angeles International Airport came within about 400 feet vertically before air traffic control issued corrective instructions, according to local broadcast reports and air traffic control audio. The Federal Aviation Administration says the Air France flight made an “unauthorized” turn that put it in the path of an American Airlines aircraft and has opened an investigation.
What happened after takeoff
KTLA-TV reported that around 12:20 a.m. Saturday, an Air France flight turned into the path of an American Airlines jet shortly after both took off from LAX. Flight-tracking data indicated the aircraft were at one point about 400 feet apart vertically, according to the reports and ATC audio reviewed.
What controllers said on the radio
In air traffic control audio cited in the reports, a controller told the American Airlines crew, “Traffic alert, traffic 12 o’clock, less than a mile, maintain 2,000.”
The controller then called the Air France crew: “Air France 028 Heavy, you were instructed to climb via SID, not, uh, turn to a, uh, heading. Why did you turn to a heading?” The Air France pilots responded that they had been told to do so, according to the audio. The controller replied, “Possible pilot deviation. I have a number for you to call when you’re ready,” and later told the American Airlines crew, “Sorry about that. That aircraft just turned in front of you.”
After controllers intervened, the aircraft continued on their respective routes, according to the reports.
What the FAA says
According to KNBC-TV, the FAA said the Air France flight “made an unauthorized turn that placed it in the path of the second aircraft” and that “air traffic control immediately issued corrective instructions to the Air France flight.” The agency said it is investigating to determine how the incident occurred and whether further action is warranted.
Expert view
Former airline and U.S. Air Force Captain Richard Levy said the episode was a first for him: “I worked 41 years for a major airline. I’ve never heard of an aircraft flying the wrong departure. And I’ve been in training most of my career, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen someone mis-program it.” He added, “And how does that happen? We call it pilot error, a mistake, they may have programmed the wrong departure in the aircraft’s computer.”
Authorities have not released additional details as of publication. The FAA investigation is ongoing.
