Plane Cleared For Takeoff Into Path Of Landing Traffic

There's been another close call involving simultaneous runway operations at a busy US commercial airport. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a near-midair collision in Chicago, in which a regional jet was apparently directed to takeoff into the path of landing traffic.

According to initial reports cited by the NTSB, on Monday at 12:47 CDT an Embraer ERJ-145, operating as American Eagle flight 298, and a Learjet LR60 (N252RP) were involved in a near midair collision at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The ERJ-145 was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as a scheduled air carrier and the Learjet was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as a corporate flight.

The ERJ-145 airplane was departing runway 32L and the Learjet was landing on runway 9R. The local assistant/monitor for the local air traffic controller observed the converging paths of the two airplanes and advised the local controller to instruct the Learjet to go around. The ERJ-145 was instructed to stay low on departure.

Analysis of radar replays revealed that the Learjet passed 325 feet above and slightly behind the departing ERJ-145. There were no reported injuries or damage to the aircraft.

As a result of this incident, new procedures have been implemented for arrivals to runway 9R requiring specific coordination between approach control and the tower regarding whether 9R is in use.

A preliminary report of the incident will be available on the Board's website later this week.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov