United and Delta Planes Avoid Mid-Air Collision Near Phoenix

A near-collision involving Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 and United Airlines Flight 1724 occurred near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on January 11. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, citing a “loss of required separation” between the two aircraft.

Alerts onboard both planes warned pilots of the proximity, prompting air traffic control to issue immediate corrective instructions. The Delta flight, an Airbus A330-300 arriving from Detroit with 245 passengers, and the United flight, a Boeing 737-900 from San Francisco carrying 123 passengers, both landed safely.

United Airlines stated that the pilots acted promptly after receiving an automatic warning to adjust altitude. Delta emphasized its commitment to safety, noting that its crew followed resolution advisories as trained.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred under clear weather conditions. Aviation safety expert Cary Grant suggested that air traffic controllers may have been distracted while managing other aircraft on the frequency.

Arizona resident and aviation enthusiast Justin Giddens captured the event in photos, describing the planes’ paths as alarmingly close. “It was immediate panic mode,” Giddens said, noting the planes’ intersecting approach paths.

This close call highlights ongoing concerns about aviation safety and air traffic management, even as airline crews and systems work to prevent accidents. The FAA’s findings will shed light on how the aircraft came so near to colliding, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in busy airspace.

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