Folks, I’m sipping my coffee and reading about a close call at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and let me tell you, it’s a good thing I wasn’t on that Delta jet. A flight from Pittsburgh, Delta 1568, was trying to land in Atlanta after being diverted to Chattanooga due to bad weather. As it was coming in for a landing, the pilot asked the tower if someone was on the runway, and the tower responded that the plane was exiting. But the pilot wasn’t convinced the other plane would get out of the way in time, so he decided to “go around” and circle the airport for another attempt.
I can imagine the tension in the cockpit as the pilot made that call. Meanwhile, another Delta flight, 2472, had just taken off from a parallel runway and was directed to turn right and climb to 4,000 feet, which put it directly in the path of the other plane. I mean, you can’t make this stuff up – it’s like a real-life game of aerial chicken.
The pilot of Delta 1568 repeated that he was “going around” and was also directed to turn right and climb to 4,000 feet. At this point, anti-collision alarms started sounding in both planes, warning the pilots to take evasive action. I’m sure my heart would have been racing if I were on either of those flights. The controller quickly directed both aircraft away from each other, and thankfully, they were able to avoid a collision.
According to flight tracking data, the planes were separated by about 1800 feet and 600 feet in altitude at their closest point. That’s way too close for comfort, if you ask me. Delta Air Lines released a statement saying that the flight crew followed established procedures and maintained safe operations during the go-around. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, which is probably a good idea.
It’s a good thing the pilots were able to avoid a disaster, and I’m sure the passengers on both flights were shaken but grateful. As for me, I’m just going to stick to my coffee and enjoy the fact that I’m safely on the ground. In conclusion, this close call at the Atlanta airport is a reminder of the importance of air traffic control and pilot training. And let’s be real, it’s also a reminder to always keep your seatbelt fastened and your sense of humor intact – after all, you never know when you’ll need to “go around” in life.
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
