The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating a near-miss incident involving a Delta Air Lines plane and a T-38 Air Force jet. The incident occurred on Friday near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), only a few months after a tragic collision at the same airport resulted in 67 fatalities.
Delta Air Lines Flight 2983, an Airbus A319 bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), left its DCA gate at 2:55 p.m. local time and was given clearance for takeoff around 3:15 p.m., according to information provided by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). At the same time, four US Air Force T-38 Talons were heading towards Arlington National Cemetery for a flyover.
The Delta aircraft received an onboard alert indicating the proximity of another aircraft. As per FAA reports, air traffic controllers promptly issued corrective instructions to both aircraft. The NTSB confirmed that there was a “loss of separation” between Delta flight 2983 and the other aircraft shortly after the Delta flight took off from DCA.
Delta officials have stated that the flight crew adhered to the traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) instructions, in line with their training and standard procedures. A Delta spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people. That’s why the flight crew followed procedures to maneuver the aircraft as instructed.”
The Delta flight had two pilots, three flight attendants, and 131 passengers on board at the time of the incident. The FAA has confirmed that it will be investigating the incident. An NTSB spokesperson stated, “We are currently collecting information, but have not yet launched an investigation.”