Terrifying close call at LAX after Air France jet makes wrong turn in midair

Two passenger jets narrowly avoided a potentially catastrophic midair collision shortly after taking off from Los Angeles International Airport early Saturday, after one aircraft made an unauthorized turn into the other’s flight path.An Air France Airbus bound for Papeete, Tahiti, reportedly came within just 400ft vertically of an American Airlines Airbus headed to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.Air traffic control asked the Air France pilots multiple times why they made the turn and then told them “I have a number for you to call.” The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story The close call unfolded as Air France Flight 28 departed from one of LAX’s runways while American Airlines Flight took off from a nearby runway.Both aircraft were climbing when the Air France jet veered left from its assigned departure route, putting it on a potentially dangerous course toward the American Airlines plane.The two aircraft, which likely carried about 500 passengers together, continued to their destinations without any reported injuries.Air traffic controllers quickly recognized the danger and issued urgent instructions to the pilots to prevent the planes from getting any closer.“Air France 028 heavy, fly heading of 270 immediately,” a controller instructed the French aircraft, according to ATC audio.The controller then warned the American Airlines pilots of the approaching jet.

“Traffic alert, traffic 12 o’clock, less than a mile, maintain 2,000,” the controller said in the ATC audio.The American Airlines crew acknowledged the warning and complied with the altitude restriction.After the immediate danger had passed, the controller repeatedly questioned the Air France pilots about why they had deviated from their assigned route.“You were instructed to climb vi...