Investigators are probing an incident that occurred on May 13 at San Francisco International Airport, in which a United Airlines A320 and a SkyWest CRJ 200 nearly collided during takeoff from parallel runways. Reports indicate that the United flight, which was taking off from Runway 1R, executed a sharp left turn, contrary to its designated path, while the CRJ was instructed to turn left.
According to statements from an air traffic controller involved, the planes came alarmingly close to each other, with just 0.4 nautical miles of lateral separation and only 200 feet of vertical separation. The regional crew of the CRJ reacted quickly, maneuvering slightly to the right to avoid a potential collision, rather than following the left turn that had been initially instructed.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a Turkish Airlines wide-body aircraft, which was in the process of approaching the airport, experienced delays in receiving landing clearance as efforts were made to separate the two incident planes.
This incident highlights the critical nature of communication and situational awareness in aviation operations, especially during busy periods at major airports. Authorities are likely to examine the incident closely to ensure that lessons are learned to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Overall, while the event was concerning, the prompt actions taken by the CRJ crew averted a serious situation, emphasizing the importance of quick thinking and training in aviation safety.