Delta Flight Diverted to Boston Involved in Near-Collision with Cape Air Plane

A Delta Air Lines flight diverted to Boston’s Logan Airport yesterday experienced a close call with a Cape Air plane on the runway, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Delta Flight 263, originally en route from Paris to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, was forced to land at Logan around 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time due to weather conditions in the New York area. As the Airbus 330-900neo approached for landing, air traffic control instructed the pilots to initiate a “go-around” to avoid a collision with Cape Air Flight 548, which had been cleared for takeoff on an intersecting runway. A go-around is a standard procedure to increase separation between aircraft.

Audio recorded by LiveATC.net captured the pilots’ reactions, with the Cape Air pilot exclaiming, “What the heck?” and the Delta pilot responding, “That was close.” The Cape Air pilot then added, “Yeah man, not cool.” Delta confirmed the flight crew followed procedures and landed safely after the maneuver, with all 284 passengers and 11 crew members deboarding without incident. This incident highlights the critical role of air traffic control in maintaining aviation safety.

The FAA is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the near-collision, and the number of passengers aboard Cape Air Flight 548 remains unknown. The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about staffing levels at the FAA, as the agency faces pressure from airlines to resolve a recent government shutdown and ensure full staffing of air traffic controllers.

Officials stated the FAA investigation will determine the exact sequence of events and any contributing factors to the incident.