Delta Air Lines Flight Avoids Collision with U.S. Air Force Jet After Takeoff from Washington National Airport

A Delta Air Lines flight experienced a close encounter with a U.S. Air Force jet shortly after taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday afternoon. The incident involved Delta Flight 2983, an Airbus A319, which had departed at approximately 3:15 p.m. Eastern Time, bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the occurrence, noting that the flight was on a regularly scheduled route at the time.

The close call was reported to have occurred when the Airbus A319’s Traffic Collision Avoidance System activated, alerting the flight crew to the proximity of another aircraft. Delta Air Lines stated that the crew responded as trained, ensuring the safety of the 131 passengers, two pilots, and three flight crew members on board. The incident was first reported by CNN, which highlighted the involvement of an Air Force T-38 jet, a model commonly used for training purposes.

The FAA is investigating the circumstances surrounding the near-miss between the commercial airliner and the military jet. The agency is working to determine the factors that led to the aircraft coming into close proximity shortly after the Delta flight’s departure. The investigation aims to ensure that protocols are followed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Delta Air Lines has expressed its commitment to passenger safety and is cooperating with the FAA’s investigation. The airline emphasized the effectiveness of its onboard safety systems and the professionalism of its flight crew in handling the situation. No injuries were reported, and the flight continued to its destination without further incident.