NEWARK- An Alaska Airlines (AS) Boeing 737 and a FedEx (FX) Boeing 777 cargo aircraft came within a few hundred feet of each other while attempting to land at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The Alaska Airlines (AS) flight from Portland (PDX) was instructed to abort landing moments before touchdown. At the same time, the FedEx (FX) aircraft from Memphis (MEM) continued its approach on an intersecting runway.
Alaska 737 and FedEx 777 Avoid Collision
The incident occurred at approximately 8:17 p.m. on Tuesday, based on radar data from FlightRadar24. Both aircraft were approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on intersecting runways, a configuration that requires precise coordination from air traffic control, ABC News reported.
As the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 descended to about 150 feet above ground level, air traffic controllers issued a last-second go-around instruction. The aircraft complied immediately, climbing away from the runway to avoid potential conflict.
At the same time, the FedEx Boeing 777 cargo aircraft continued its landing on the crossing runway without interruption. Flight tracking data indicates the two aircraft passed each other with a vertical and horizontal separation of roughly 300 to 325 feet.
Role of Air Traffic Control Intervention
Air traffic control played a critical role in preventing a possible runway collision. The timing of the go-around instruction was precise, issued seconds before the Alaska aircraft would have touched down.
Go-arounds are standard safety procedures in aviation. Pilots are trained to execute them immediately when instructed or when landing conditions are unsafe. In this case, the maneuver ensured safe separation between the two aircraft.
The close proximity highlights the complexity of managing intersecting runway operations at busy airports like Newark. Such operations depend heavily on accurate timing, communication, and situational awareness.
Similar Incident
Delta Air Lines (DL) Flight DL1070 and United Airlines (UA) Flight UA1724 avoided a mid-air collision near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on January 11, 2025.
The Delta Airbus A330 and United Boeing 737 came within critical proximity during landing, prompting an FAA investigation and safety review.
Close Call During Final Approach at Phoenix
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time as both aircraft approached Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) for landing. Delta Air Lines (DL) Flight DL1070 from Detroit and United Airlines (UA) Flight UA1724 from San Francisco were on converging flight paths when onboard systems triggered collision alerts.
Flight tracking data shows the aircraft reached a vertical separation of just 425 feet, while horizontal spacing dropped to less than a quarter mile within seconds. These margins fall well below standard safety buffers, raising serious operational concerns.
Air traffic control had cleared the United Boeing 737 to land on Runway 7 Right and instructed the Delta Airbus A330 to align for Runway 8. Despite the planned separation, the aircraft paths tightened rapidly during descent.
Cockpit Alerts and Immediate ATC Response
Both flight crews received automated Traffic Collision Avoidance System alerts, including urgent descent commands. These warnings indicate a high risk of collision and require immediate pilot response.
Air traffic control intervened quickly with corrective instructions. Controllers adjusted descent paths and spacing, allowing both aircraft to stabilize their approaches and land safely without further escalation.
Delta Flight DL1070 was carrying 245 passengers, while United Flight UA1724 had 129 passengers onboard. No injuries were reported.
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