Air traffic controller averts collision between two American Airlines planes with same flight number
An air traffic controller prevented a potential disaster after two American Airlines aircraft with identical flight numbers nearly occupied the same airspace.
Two American Airlines jets faced a dangerous situation when they shared the same flight number—one departing Phoenix and another arriving from Chicago shortly after. An alert air traffic controller identified the mix-up and took quick action to maintain proper separation between the aircraft. The incident was resolved without incident, according to recordings of the controller's response.
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Planes with same flight number avoid possible disaster
“It could have been disastrous, but I’m glad it worked out,” the quick-thinking air traffic controller said.
Stuff
Listen: Quick-thinking air traffic controller averts disaster after flight number mix-up
Audio of the incident shows how he found a solution to ensure the American Airlines jets maintained proper separation as one arrived from Chicago shortly after the other had taken off in Phoenix.