Air France, American Airlines jets nearly collide after wrong turn in midair over LAX

Live updates

1. 12m ago

   Air France jet makes unauthorized turn, crosses path of American Airlines flight at LAX

   The FAA is investigating a near mid-air collision at Los Angeles International Airport after an Air France flight made an unauthorized turn that placed it in the path of an American Airlines jet taking off. The incident occurred after both aircraft departed LAX. Air traffic controllers intervened to separate the planes. The FAA confirmed the Air France crew turned without clearance, creating a conflict with the departing American Airlines flight. No injuries were reported. The National Transportation Safety Board is also gathering information about the event.

   Why it matters

   The close call adds to a series of runway incursions and loss-of-separation incidents at major U.S. airports that have drawn scrutiny from federal safety regulators and Congress. LAX operates with closely spaced parallel runways and complex departure corridors, leaving little margin for error when pilots deviate from assigned headings. The FAA has been implementing surface surveillance upgrades and revised taxi procedures to reduce such risks.

   What is confirmed

   • An Air France flight made an unauthorized turn after takeoff from LAX.
   • The turn placed the Air France jet in the path of an American Airlines flight departing LAX.
   • Air traffic controllers intervened to separate the two aircraft.
   • The FAA is investigating the near mid-air collision.
   • No injuries were reported.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Air France pilot said 'Give me a minute' during the encounter.

   What to watch next

   • FAA preliminary report with exact lateral and vertical separation distances
   • NTSB decision on whether to open a formal investigation
   • Air France and American Airlines statements on crew actions and training review
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. KTLA — Air France, American Airlines jets nearly collide after wrong turn in midair over LAX
   2. ABC7 Los Angeles — Air France flight nearly hits American Airlines plane in LAX close call
   3. CNN — Close call at LAX airport as plane turns in front of another aircraft taking off
   4. People.com — Air France and American Airlines Passenger Planes Nearly Collide After Takeoff from LAX
   5. The Times — French pilots make wrong turn and nearly cause mid-air collision over LA
   6. NBC Los Angeles — Unauthorized turn placed Air France jet in path of another plane at LAX, FAA says
   7. CBS News — FAA investigating near mid-air collision at LAX between Air France and American Airlines flights
   8. Los Angeles Times — Two planes nearly collide at LAX after Air France flight veers into another aircraft's path, FAA says
   9. The Seattle Times — Two planes nearly collide at LAX, FAA says
   10. Los Angeles Daily News — Jetliners get too close midair at LAX — investigation underway
   11. www.aol.com — Pilot Says ‘Give Me a Minute’ After Air France and American Airlines Passenger Planes Nearly Collide After Takeoff from LAX - ....
   confidence 92%