In a statement to PEOPLE, the FAA confirmed it is investigating the event involving two American Airlines planes using the same call signs in Phoenix
NEED TO KNOW
- An air traffic controller in Phoenix prevented a potential collision involving two planes with identical flight numbers
- The FAA and American Airlines are investigating how the mix-up occurred during the Aug. 14 incident
- Audio reveals the controller’s quick thinking and praise from pilots for maintaining safe separation between the planes
An air traffic controller in Phoenix helped prevent a possible disaster after noticing two American Airlines planes at the airport were operating under the same flight number.
In a statement to PEOPLE, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is investigating the Friday, Aug. 14, incident that occurred around 12 a.m. local time.
“American Airlines Flight 2482 was descending for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport when another American Airlines flight departed using the same flight number,” the FAA said…