{"id":97645,"date":"2025-06-01T03:08:18","date_gmt":"2025-05-31T21:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=97645"},"modified":"2025-06-01T03:08:28","modified_gmt":"2025-05-31T21:38:28","slug":"united-a320-nearly-collides-with-skywest-plane-at-sfo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/01\/united-a320-nearly-collides-with-skywest-plane-at-sfo\/","title":{"rendered":"United A320 Turns Wrong Way at SFO, Nearly Collides with SkyWest Plane"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SAN FRANCISCO-<\/strong> A United Airlines (UA)<\/a> Airbus A320, operating as Flight UA1152<\/strong>, narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a SkyWest <\/a>CRJ-200 shortly after takeoff from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident, which occurred around 5:10 p.m., has prompted a federal investigation into the circumstances that led to the near-disaster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: By PlanespotterA320 – Own work | Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United A320 Near Miss with Skywest Plane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flight UA1152 departed from Runway 1R, bound for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)<\/a>, and was instructed to execute a right turn following the TRUKN <\/strong>Standard Instrument Departure (SID).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simultaneously, SkyWest (OO) Flight 5273 took off from parallel Runway 1L, heading to Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT)<\/strong>, with clearance to make a left turn via the SSTIK <\/strong>SID. These procedures are standard for simultaneous departures on parallel runways at SFO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, shortly after takeoff, UA1152 veered left instead of right<\/strong>, directly into the path of the ascending SkyWest (OO) aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two planes came within approximately 1.1 miles<\/strong> horizontally and 280 feet vertically<\/strong> of each other before the SkyWest crew, alerted by their Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), took evasive action to avoid a collision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
TRUKN 2 Departure SID, SFO; Photo- FlightAware<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Miscommunication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compounding the issue, the local air traffic controller issued the command \u201cfly runway heading\u201d to UA1152, intending to say \u201cfly present heading.\u201d This miscommunication added to the confusion in the cockpit during a critical phase of flight. \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n

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SSTIK 5 Departure SID, SFO; Photo- FlightAware<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

FAA Launches Investigation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident. Both United Airlines (UA) and SkyWest Airlines (OO) are cooperating fully with the inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines (UA) has also commenced an internal review<\/strong> to assess the factors contributing to the near-miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A United spokesperson stated, \u201cWe are conducting a thorough internal review of this incident and are cooperating with the FAA to ensure the highest levels of safety.\u201d \ufffc<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SkyWest CRJ-200; Photo- Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aviation Community<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis event serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when standard protocols are not strictly followed,\u201d said an aviation safety analyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FAA Headquarters; Photo- MBisanz; Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Flights Continued to their Destinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FAA\u2019s investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mid-Air Pilot Dispute Sparks ATC Controversy Over Southern California<\/a><\/blockquote>