SAN FRANCISCO- A United Airlines (UA) Airbus A320, operating as Flight UA1152, narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a SkyWest CRJ-200 shortly after takeoff from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The incident, which occurred around 5:10 p.m., has prompted a federal investigation into the circumstances that led to the near-disaster.
United A320 Near Miss with Skywest Plane
Flight UA1152 departed from Runway 1R, bound for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and was instructed to execute a right turn following the TRUKN Standard Instrument Departure (SID).
Simultaneously, SkyWest (OO) Flight 5273 took off from parallel Runway 1L, heading to Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT), with clearance to make a left turn via the SSTIK SID. These procedures are standard for simultaneous departures on parallel runways at SFO.
However, shortly after takeoff, UA1152 veered left instead of right, directly into the path of the ascending SkyWest (OO) aircraft.
The two planes came within approximately 1.1 miles horizontally and 280 feet vertically of each other before the SkyWest crew, alerted by their Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), took evasive action to avoid a collision.
Miscommunication
According to a debriefing, the first officer of UA1152, who was flying the aircraft and making his first departure from SFO, followed incorrect guidance from the Flight Management System (FMS), initiating a left turn at approximately 500 feet altitude.
The captain, realising the error, attempted to correct the course by inputting a new heading, but by then, the aircraft had already intruded into the SkyWest flight’s path.
Compounding the issue, the local air traffic controller issued the command “fly runway heading” to UA1152, intending to say “fly present heading.” This miscommunication added to the confusion in the cockpit during a critical phase of flight. 
FAA Launches Investigation
The FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident. Both United Airlines (UA) and SkyWest Airlines (OO) are cooperating fully with the inquiry.
United Airlines (UA) has also commenced an internal review to assess the factors contributing to the near-miss.
A United spokesperson stated, “We are conducting a thorough internal review of this incident and are cooperating with the FAA to ensure the highest levels of safety.” 
Aviation Community
Aviation experts have expressed concern over the incident, highlighting the critical importance of clear communication and adherence to standard procedures during the takeoff and departure phases. The combination of pilot inexperience, reliance on automated systems, and controller miscommunication underscores the need for rigorous training and procedural compliance.
“This event serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when standard protocols are not strictly followed,” said an aviation safety analyst.
Flights Continued to their Destinations
Despite the close call, both flights continued to their respective destinations without further incident. UA1152 proceeded to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and SkyWest 5273 completed its journey to Fresno (FAT).
The FAA’s investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
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