The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a near miss incident involving two scheduling flights inbound to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Saturday 11 January 2025.
The incident involved a loss of separation between United Airlines flight UA1724 and Delta Air Lines flight DL1070 as they approached to land around 1100 local time on Saturday.
Loss of Separation Incident PHX
United Airlines flight UA1724, operated by a Boeing 737-900 registered N68891, was inbound from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Arriving at the same time was Delta Air Lines flight DL1070, an Airbus A330-300 registered N820NW, inbound from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Country Airport (DTW).
Both aircraft appear to have been making approaches to runway 08 Phoenix Sky Harbor when the loss of separation occurred.
According to the FAA, the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) in both aircraft activated as a result. TCAS is an automated system that provides pilots with warnings and instructions to avoid potential collisions with other aircraft.
Air Traffic Control then re-sequenced the two aircraft, to maintain required separation. Flight data shows that both aircraft conducted orbits before continuing with the cleared approaches.
Airline Statements
Both airlines released brief statements following the incident.
United Airlines: “While United flight 1724 was preparing to land at Phoenix on Saturday, its pilots received an automated flight deck warning to change their altitude. The pilots acted immediately and landed safely. We’re working with the FAA on its investigation.”
Delta Air Lines: “As nothing is more important than safety, Delta flight crews extensively train to handle uncommon scenarios such as this and followed the resolution advisory as directed. Delta aircraft are equipped with technology to warn crews of potential conflicts with other aircraft and our pilots train extensively to respond to uncommon situations like this one.”
The FAA is now investigating the incident.
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