Delta-plane avoids disaster near military jet south of DC
A Delta Air Lines passenger plane had to perform an evasive maneuver after a dangerous approach to a T-38 military jet. This incident occurred near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where another tragedy recently transpired.
What you need to know
- The dangerous approach occurred on a Friday, south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
- The incident involved a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 passenger plane and a US Air Force T-38 military jet.
- The pilots' quick reactions avoided a collision, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
The Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 passenger plane took off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport en route to Minneapolis-St. Paul, carrying 131 passengers and a crew of five.
Shortly after takeoff, the TCAS system in the cockpit alerted the pilots of the approaching T-38 military jet.
Close call
The T-38 military jet that flew near the passenger plane had taken off from and landed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton. The aircraft was moving at over 350 miles per hour, further increasing the risk of collision.
The incident triggered an alarm in the passenger plane's cockpit, but a tragedy was avoided thanks to the pilots’ quick response.
Aviation authorities will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent similar situations. This is not the first time a dangerous aviation incident has occurred in this area. On January 29, a tragedy took place when a regional American Airlines plane collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the deaths of 67 people.
