United Airlines flight maneuver to avoid another plane injures 2

UNITED BOEING 787-10 N12010 (MSN 40926)

The Federal Aviation Administration recently initiated an investigation following an incident on a United Airlines flight that resulted in injuries to two passengers. This occurred when the pilots heeded a warning from the onboard midair collision system Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). (The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System also known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) is an airborne system designed to increase cockpit awareness of nearby aircraft and service as a last defense against mid-air collisions.)

United Airlines reported that Flight UA2428 from Newark, New Jersey (EWR/KEWR), was in its descent phase into San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO) last Thursday when it reduced its descent speed due to the proximity of another aircraft at a lower altitude. Following the incident, both injured passengers were hospitalized, according to United's statement.

According to an FAA incident report, one passenger sustained serious injuries while another suffered minor injuries. Such advisories are considered urgent warnings of a potential collision with another aircraft, necessitating immediate action by the pilots.

FlightRadar24 data indicates that the event occurred at an altitude of 31,000 feet near Lake Berryessa, roughly 70 miles north of San Francisco. The data also shows that a Southwest Airlines flight 4096 (N479WN) was 3,000 feet beneath the United flight, and a SkyWest flight 3304 (N179SY) was 1,000 feet below.

The FAA, which oversees air traffic control, stated that the incident did not result in any loss of safe separation between the aircraft. LiveATC.net audio recordings reveal that the pilots declared a medical emergency and informed Oakland air traffic controllers that injuries occurred onboard during the RA, with one possibly being a broken ankle.

According to confirmation from United Airlines the seatbelt sign was illuminated during the incident, and one of the injured passengers was not seated.

While the National Transportation Safety Board has not commenced an investigation, they are in the process of collecting preliminary data.

This in-flight event is among several recent incidents involving potential near collisions, including an episode on the 12th of September where an Alaska Airlines flight had to cancel its takeoff.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: United Airlines

Code: UA/UAL

Aircraft: Boeing 757-224

Registration: N12125

Serial Number: 28967

Engines: 2 x RR RB211-535E4B

First Flew: 1st January 1998

Age: 26.8 Years Old