Federal authorities launch investigation of incoming Alaska Airlines flight
Date
10/24/2023 4:20:03 AM
(MENAFN) Federal authorities have launched an investigation into a recent incident involving an incoming Alaska airlines flight that veered into the trajectory of a SkyWest passenger jet during its takeoff from Portland International Airport. The occurrence took place at approximately 4:15 PM on October 16th when the pilot of Alaska Airlines Flight 1299 initiated a "go-around" due to windy conditions and unexpectedly turned into the path of SkyWest Airlines Flight 3978, which was in the midst of departing from the Oregon airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident and disclosed that an air traffic controller promptly radioed the Alaska Airlines pilot, directing them to alter their course away from the approaching SkyWest aircraft.
Based on publicly available flight data, the Oregonian estimated that the two planes came within approximately 1,800 feet horizontally and 250 feet vertically of each other during this worrisome encounter. While the FAA is actively investigating the incident to ascertain the exact proximity between the two aircraft, it's crucial to note that the FAA categorizes a near midair collision when an aircraft comes within less than 500 feet of another plane, or when a pilot or crew member reports a collision risk between two or more aircraft.
Alaska Airlines, in response to the incident, informed Fox News Digital that the pilot executed a "routine go-around" due to adverse weather conditions during their initial approach to landing at Portland International Airport. The airline explained that another aircraft was simultaneously departing on the parallel runway to the north, leading to a potential traffic conflict. In light of the situation, the flight crew acted promptly to divert from the path of the other aircraft while ensuring a safe lateral separation throughout the entire event. Subsequently, the Alaska Airlines flight landed safely at its intended destination in Portland, allaying any immediate concerns arising from the incident. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on the sequence of events, the air traffic controller's directives, and the pilots' responses to ensure comprehensive safety measures in air traffic management.
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