FAA Launches Probe Into Airliners’ Near Miss in Phoenix

'Loss of required separation' occurred when Delta and United flights were within around 1,200 feet laterally and 875 feet vertically.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 03:57 PM ET

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According to the FAA, crew on both of the commercial flights received onboard alerts that another aircraft was nearby when they experienced a loss of required separation. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has launched an investigation into a loss of required separation between United Airlines Flight 1724 and Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 while both were on approach to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Saturday.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. when both aircraft were nearing Runway 8, leading to onboard alerts for flight crews and corrective instructions from air traffic control.
Despite coming within close proximity, as little as 425 feet vertically, both flight crews acted immediately, followed advisories, and the flights landed safely with no reported injuries among the combined 368 passengers and crew.

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The FAA has launched an investigation into a loss of separation between two commercial flights approaching Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (KPHX) to land Saturday.

According to the agency, the “loss of required separation” occurred around 11 a.m. when United Airlines Flight 1724 and Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 were both on approach to land on Runway 8. “Both flight crews received onboard alerts that another aircraft was nearby. Air traffic control issued corrective instructions to both flight crews,” FAA said.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.