Report: 3 jets avoid midair collision near DC - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

Report: 3 jets avoid midair collision near DC

Posted:

WASHINGTON (WVVA) -- US Airways says it is working with federal officials to investigate a newspaper report that three commuter jets narrowly averted a midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The Washington Post is reporting that three US Airways jets carrying 192 passengers and crew members came within seconds of a midair collision on Tuesday afternoon. The newspaper cites federal officials with direct knowledge of the incident.

The newspaper reported that air traffic controllers mistakenly cleared two outbound flights to head in the direction of an incoming plane.

An FAA representative couldn't be immediately reached for comment late Wednesday.

The Post reports that the FAA issued a statement Wednesday night saying it is investigating the matter and would address the communication lapse.

USAirways spokesman Todd Lehmacher said in an email that the airline is "currently investigating and working with the FAA to determine what occurred." He had no other details.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WVVA.
All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance with issues relating to the content of this station's public inspection file should contact Administrative Assistant Audrey Sluss at (304) 324-0659. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, at 888-835-5322 (TTY) or at fccinfo@fcc.gov.