FAA investigates midair alert on United Airlines flight
FAA probes United Airlines midair alert incident with two injuries
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into an incident on a United Airlines flight that led to injuries for two passengers. The pilots responded to an onboard midair collision system alert.
United Airlines reported that flight 2428 from Newark, New Jersey, was descending into San Francisco International Airport last Thursday. During the descent, it “slowed to account for another aircraft at a lower altitude.” Both injured passengers were hospitalised, according to a statement from United.
The FAA’s incident report indicates that one passenger sustained serious injuries and another had minor injuries when the pilots reacted to a traffic collision avoidance system resolution advisory, or TCAS RA.
NEW: Two passengers on a United Airlines Boeing 757 from Newark to SFO were injured—one seriously—when the pilots responded to a TCAS midair collision system warning. NTSB gathering preliminary info. United tells me the seat belt sign was on. pic.twitter.com/fwdoj9OB5f
— Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) September 24, 2024
Collision resolution advisories signal a potential collision with another aircraft, requiring immediate action from pilots. Data from FlightRadar24 shows the event occurred at 31,000 feet near Lake Berryessa, about 70 miles north of San Francisco. A Southwest Airlines flight was 3,000 feet below the United flight, and a SkyWest flight was 1,000 feet below.
The FAA, which oversees air traffic control, stated that “there was no loss of safe separation.” Audio from LiveATC.net recorded the pilots declaring a medical emergency to air traffic controllers in Oakland, mentioning that “someone might have broken an ankle and there are passengers that got hurt when we had an RA.”
United Airlines informed a news agency that the seatbelt sign was on at the time, but one of the injured passengers was out of their seat. The National Transportation Safety Board has not initiated an investigation yet, but a spokesperson revealed that the agency is collecting preliminary information.
This in-flight incident is the latest in a series of near-collision events this month. On September 12, an Alaska Airlines flight aborted its takeoff in Nashville due to a Southwest flight crossing the same runway. Two days earlier, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350’s wingtip hit a smaller regional jet while both planes were taxiing, causing the regional jet’s tail to detach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What caused the jolt on the United Airlines flight?
The pilots responded to a midair collision system warning.
How many passengers were injured on the United Airlines flight?
Two passengers were injured.
What is a TCAS RA?
A Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory is an extreme warning of a possible collision.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at 31,000 feet near Lake Berryessa, 70 miles north of San Francisco.
Was the seatbelt sign on during the incident?
Yes, the seatbelt sign was on during the incident.
