Delta Flight and Air Force Jet Came Dangerously Close Over Washington Airspace

Picture credits: Delta News Hub

Washington, USA: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a near-midair collision between a Delta Air Lines flight and a U.S. Air Force jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Friday. The close call, categorized as a “loss of separation,” occurred as the military aircraft approached Arlington National Cemetery for a planned flyover.

Seconds from Disaster

Picture credits: U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Burt Traynor/Released)

Delta Air Lines Flight 2983, an Airbus A319 bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), took off from DCA at approximately 3:15 p.m. ET. At the same time, four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon jets, operating out of Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, were inbound for a ceremonial flyover.

Moments after departure, the Delta flight’s onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) triggered an alert, warning of another aircraft in dangerously close proximity. Air traffic controllers issued immediate corrective instructions to both planes to prevent a collision.

Audio recordings from LiveATC.net reveal the tense exchange between the Delta pilot and air traffic control. “On that departure … was there an actual aircraft about 500 feet below us as we came off of DCA?” the Delta pilot asked at 3:18 p.m. “Delta 2983, affirmative,” the controller confirmed.

Following Safety Protocols

The Delta crew followed standard collision avoidance procedures and successfully maneuvered the aircraft away from danger. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,” a Delta spokesperson stated. “That’s why the flight crew followed procedures to maneuver the aircraft as instructed.”

The Airbus was carrying two pilots, three flight attendants, and 131 passengers at the time. Despite the close call, the flight continued without further incident and landed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at 5:46 p.m., about 10 minutes behind schedule. No injuries were reported.

A Troubling Pattern of Near-Misses

This latest incident adds to growing concerns about aviation safety in the region. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has disclosed that thousands of near-misses have occurred in the airspace surrounding Reagan National Airport between 2021 and 2024.

The near-collision also follows a deadly midair crash in January when an American Eagle flight collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. That tragedy prompted the FAA to introduce new flight restrictions for helicopters and military operations near Washington, D.C.

Ongoing Investigation

The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into Friday’s incident, focusing on air traffic control procedures and coordination between military and civilian flights. The Air Force has yet to issue an official statement.

With concerns mounting over airspace safety near one of the nation’s busiest airports, aviation officials face increasing pressure to strengthen protocols and prevent future close calls.

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