A Delta Air Lines and a United Airlines flight narrowly avoided a mid-air collision near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Saturday, January 11th. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when Delta Flight 1070 and United Flight 1724 experienced a “loss of required separation,” according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Both aircraft were equipped with onboard alert systems that notified the flight crews of the proximity of the other aircraft. Simultaneously, air traffic control at Sky Harbor issued corrective instructions to both crews, enabling both planes to land safely. The FAA has launched an investigation to determine the root cause of the near-miss.
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The Delta flight, an Airbus A330-300, originated from Detroit and carried 245 passengers. The United flight, a Boeing 737-900, was inbound from San Francisco with 123 passengers and six crew members, as reported by local news outlet KPNX. This incident raises concerns about air traffic safety protocols and the potential for human error in busy airspace.
United Airlines released a statement confirming that their pilots received an automated flight deck warning to adjust altitude while preparing to land in Phoenix. They responded immediately, ensuring a safe landing. The airline is cooperating fully with the FAA investigation. Delta Air Lines also issued a statement emphasizing the rigorous training their flight crews undergo to handle such situations and confirmed that the crew followed established safety protocols.
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Justin Giddens, an Arizona resident and aviation enthusiast, captured photographs of the near collision. He described witnessing the two aircraft on what appeared to be an intersecting flight path, expressing immediate concern given his understanding of typical approach patterns at Sky Harbor. He recounted the incident to KTVK, stating the planes were “very, very close.”
Aviation safety expert Cary Grant, after reviewing video footage of the event, suggested to KTVK that the air traffic controller might have been momentarily distracted by other aircraft communications. Grant also noted that the clear weather conditions likely reduced the risk of an actual collision. The FAA’s investigation will provide a more comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to this serious incident.
