A close call in the skies over Phoenix was averted on Friday when two American Airlines flights, both using the same flight number, entered the same airspace. Quick actions by an air traffic controller were crucial in distinguishing the two planes, ensuring they maintained a safe distance.
Audio from air traffic control indicates both aircraft used the call sign ‘American 2482.’ One flight was descending into Phoenix from Chicago, while the other was departing Phoenix for Chicago. Recognizing the potential danger, the air traffic controller took immediate action, issuing distinct instructions to each flight to avoid confusion and ensure both could continue safely on their respective routes.
This incident comes at a time of increased focus on aviation safety, following a series of air travel incidents and close calls. A spokesperson for American Airlines stated to Newsweek that the company is examining the details of the occurrence. They emphasized the crucial role of the air traffic controllers and pilots, saying, “The diligence and professionalism of air traffic controllers and our pilots ensured required separation was always maintained and the issue was identified and addressed. Both flights continued safely and without incident.”
I’ve been working air traffic for 25 years. I’ve never seen two aircraft pretty much merge with the same call sign. That’s pretty incredible.
The incident took place around midnight local time on August 14. The air traffic controller identified the duplicate call signs and used indicators of ‘departure’ and ‘arrival’ to differentiate between the two planes. The departing plane was instructed not to climb too high, creating a substantial buffer between the aircrafts as a precautionary measure.
Flight 2482 normally operates as a round trip between Chicago and Phoenix, using the same flight number both ways. A delay of the inbound flight resulted in a separate aircraft being used for the scheduled departure from Phoenix as Flight 2482. Such delays are rare, as usually, a single aircraft handles the round trip.
According to a statement by the FAA to Newsweek, “American Airlines Flight 2482 was descending for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when another American Airlines flight departed using the same flight number. Air traffic control recognized the identical call signs and made sure the aircraft maintained the required separation.” Both the FAA and American Airlines are investigating the incident to understand how the call sign duplication occurred.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport features three runways and manages over 1,000 flights daily, making accurate communication crucial for safety.
Understanding Call Signs
Call signs serve as identifiers used in radio communications between pilots and air traffic controllers. They are generally based on the airline and flight number. By tracking individual aircraft with call signs, controllers can ensure their instructions are relayed to the appropriate flight, which helps prevent confusion when multiple aircraft occupy the same airspace.
Safety experts warn that duplicated call signs risk creating confusion, as a flight crew unsure whether they are being addressed might follow incorrect instructions. Consequently, airlines typically strive to avoid assigning duplicate call signs.
Focus on Air Safety
This event adds to a period of heightened scrutiny regarding aviation safety, following several runway incursions and near-miss incidents that prompted federal investigations and renewed interest in improving the nation’s air traffic control systems.
In June, the FAA investigated a near miss at Boston Logan International Airport, where a Delta Air Lines flight conducted a go-around to prevent a collision with an American Airlines aircraft on intersecting runways. Experts later estimated the planes came within about 300 feet of each other.
Earlier, in New York’s JFK International Airport, a near-collision involved two aircraft, leading to a federal investigation and heightened concerns about runway safety. While commercial air travel remains one of the safest transportation modes, in May, the FAA announced plans to expand the air traffic controller workforce to address staffing shortages. Training and certifying controllers is a lengthy process that takes several years.
For further information, contact Newsweek editors: Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.
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