An Air France plane nearly collided with an American Airlines plane after takeoff from LAX, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA is investigating the incident, which happened Saturday when the Air France plane “went into the path of another aircraft that departed from a parallel runway,” the FAA said. “Air traffic control immediately issued corrective instructions to the Air France flight.”
It is being labeled as a "possible pilot deviation" by air traffic control as the FAA reviews the audio recordings.
Air traffic controllers spotted the trajectory conflict immediately and stepped in to prevent a potential mid-air collision. Audio recordings from LAX air traffic control reveal controllers issuing urgent evasive orders, directing the Air France crew to immediately fly heading 270 to correct course while instructing the American Airlines pilots to level off at 2,000 feet.
Moments later, controllers alerted the American Airlines crew: "Traffic alert, traffic 12 o'clock, less than a mile. Maintain 2,000," before adding that the Air France aircraft had turned.
Radio traffic shows air traffic control repeatedly questioning the Air France flight crew about why they turned off course, asking, "I need an answer. What departure were you instructed by tower to fly?" The Air France pilots asked for a minute and did not immediately provide a clear explanation on the frequency.
Flight tracking data indicates the two passenger jets came within approximately 400 vertical feet and less than a mile laterally of each other at their closest point.
Both aircraft continued safely to their destinations without further incident or reported injuries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is investigating the event as a possible pilot deviation.
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