The FAA is currently conducting an investigation into a near-miss incident involving two commercial airplanes that were departing from parallel runways at San Francisco International Airport.
Reports indicate that the event occurred on May 13. The United flight was originally given clearance to veer right after takeoff. Shortly thereafter, the SkyWest flight was cleared to go left after its takeoff.
Unexpectedly, the United aircraft mistakenly turned left, encroaching into the path of the SkyWest plane. This misstep activated a warning, prompting the SkyWest pilots to execute an evasive maneuver to prevent a crash.
According to FlightRadar24, the planes came within 1,950 feet lateral separation, 275 feet vertical separation while taking off at the same time on parallel runways.
“There’s a lot of things going on. It’s a very dynamic environment. As an investigator, that’s what I would be studying, is what was going on with that crew at any one time from the time they left the ramp until the time they took off,” said Greg Feith, former NTSB investigator.
United Airlines tells us its reviewing the incident, while SkyWest says after its crew made its maneuver, the flight was able to carry on to its destination in Fresno.
“Yes. The potential for a catastrophic event was there, but there were systems in place, communications took place, and corrective actions were initiated to prevent the situation,” said Feith.
In a statement, the FAA said the United plane turned without authorization. The agency is investigating the event.
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