Danger in the skies: Two planes received the same flight number - and nearly collided on the runway

A rare malfunction in Phoenix caused two American Airlines planes to fly simultaneously under the same flight number, 'American 2482'. A vigilant air traffic controller identified the duplication and separated the planes by altitude and distance, preventing a possible collision. The incident occurred last Friday, when one plane arrived from Chicago shortly after a second plane under the same number took off from Phoenix, due to a weather delay in Chicago. The FAA and American Airlines have opened an investigation.

A rare malfunction in the skies over Phoenix nearly led to a serious disaster last Friday, when two American Airlines passenger planes flew simultaneously under the same flight number, 'American 2482'. The unusual case occurred when one plane arrived from Chicago shortly after a second plane under the same number took off from Phoenix, due to a weather delay in Chicago that led to the assignment of a replacement aircraft. A vigilant air traffic controller identified the duplication and carefully separated the planes by altitude and distance, using the call signs 'incoming American 2482' and 'outgoing American 2482'. He instructed the departing plane not to climb too high to maintain separation. After the planes passed safely, the incoming pilot praised him for 'nice work', and the controller replied: 'This could have been a disaster, but I'm glad it worked out'. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American Airlines have opened an investigation into the incident. Aviation safety expert Steve Arroyo told ABC News that a factor in the airline's operations center failed to identify the duplication when approving the flight plan, but added: 'You can make a mistake, and it shouldn't happen, but it's good to see the system is resilient and we have all the necessary mechanisms and safeguards'. American Airlines responded: 'The vigilance and professionalism of our air traffic controllers and pilots ensured that the required separation was always maintained and the problem was identified and addressed. Both flights continued safely and without any special incidents'.