Incident Involving Air France and American Airlines Near LAX

Two planes operated by Air France and American Airlines had a close encounter after leaving Los Angeles International Airport. The event happened at 12:20 a.m. on November 7. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Air France plane turned in an unauthorized direction.

The FAA explained, “The crew of Air France Flight 28 made an unauthorized turn after departing Los Angeles International Airport and went into the path of another aircraft that departed from a parallel runway.”

Air traffic control audio revealed a tense exchange as controllers aimed to redirect the flights. A controller instructed the Air France crew, “Air France 028 heavy, fly heading of 270 immediately.”

The controller issued a warning to American Airlines Flight 1660, indicating a nearby aircraft. “Traffic alert, traffic 12 o’clock, less than a mile, maintain 2,000,” was communicated. In response, the American Airlines pilot said, “OK, we’ll go back to 2,000.”

Fox News Digital contacted both airlines for comments.

Steven Arroyo, an aviation expert, commented, “Air France departed from the north side of Los Angeles Airport on a parallel runway where an American Airlines aircraft took off…the Air France aircraft made an unauthorized left-hand turn toward the American Airlines aircraft.” This led to a proximity of 400 feet, which Arroyo described as “dangerously close.”

Once the near-collision situation stabilized, the controller questioned the Air France crew’s turn. “Air France 028 heavy, you were instructed to climb via SID, not turn to a heading,” the controller stated. A SID refers to a published departure procedure according to the FAA. The Air France crew later confirmed they had been assigned the SUMMR TWO departure procedure and were instructed to follow it.

Arroyo emphasized, “This was a very dangerous situation and thank goodness, air traffic control was extremely proactive and turned the Air France aircraft heading west before it converged with the American Airlines flight.” He noted that such aviation incidents are “very, very rare” and praised the controller’s response.

Kelly McGreal from Fox News Digital contributed to covering this incident. Her team focuses on various lifestyle topics including travel, health, and more.