Federal authorities are investigating a near-collision involving two passenger jets at San Francisco International Airport earlier this month. The incident occurred on May 13 at approximately 5:10 p.m. when aircraft from United Airlines and SkyWest Airlines were departing nearly at the same time.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the United flight unexpectedly veered into the path of the SkyWest plane without permission during its takeoff. United Airlines Flight 1152, an Airbus A320 en route to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, made a sharp left turn instead of adhering to its designated right turn. Meanwhile, SkyWest Flight 5272, a CRJ-200 bound for Fresno-Yosemite International Airport, faced a potentially dangerous situation as the planes came perilously close.
Reports indicate that the two aircraft were just 0.4 nautical miles apart horizontally and separated by only 280 feet in altitude at their nearest point. In response to these revelations, United Airlines is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. The FAA is conducting its own investigation, noting that the initial findings may evolve as more information comes to light.