Two aircraft on parallel approaches to JFK came within roughly 475–500 feet vertically on Monday. Endeavor Air Flight 5289 was at about 2,100 feet as a Cirrus SR22 crossed above at about 2,575 feet; controllers issued advisories and both pilots reported seeing the other aircraft. The Endeavor crew also reported a TCAS resolution advisory. The FAA said required separation was maintained, and the event comes amid heightened scrutiny after other recent close calls.
Close Call Over JFK: Two Aircraft Came Within About 475–500 Feet on Parallel Approaches
Two planes come within 500 feet of each other while approaching JFK Airport in latest close call
Two aircraft came dangerously close while on final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday, with flight-tracking data indicating a vertical separation of about 475–500 feet as their flight paths crossed.
A commercial airplane approaches John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.(Getty Images)
The Federal Aviation Administration identified the larger aircraft as Endeavor Air Flight 5289 — operated for Delta — which was on final to Runway 22L around 5:15 p.m. The smaller aircraft, a Cirrus SR22, was preparing to land on the parallel Runway 22R. Flightradar24 data cited by media outlets showed the Endeavor jet at roughly 2,100 feet and the Cirrus at about 2,575 feet when the tracks crossed.
The international terminal, train and control tower are visible at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
The FAA said air traffic control provided traffic advisories to both pilots and that each pilot reported the other aircraft in sight. The agency added that the required separation was maintained. Media reports also indicate the Endeavor crew received a traffic advisory and a subsequent TCAS (traffic collision avoidance system) resolution advisory.
Controller: "Endeavor 5289 yeah I'm not talking to him. He's 500 feet above you now left to right half a mile in front of you."
Pilot: "And tower Endeavor 5289 he just flew about 500 feet right over so looks like he's taking a left turn now."
Context And Ongoing Scrutiny
Monday’s event follows a string of recent incidents that have attracted scrutiny from federal regulators and lawmakers. The day before, a United Airlines flight from Venice to Newark Liberty International Airport struck a light pole and damaged a bakery truck during descent; there were no injuries among the 221 passengers and 10 crew. JFK also experienced another near-miss last month that triggered onboard collision warnings and a federal inquiry.
The FAA, Endeavor/Delta and Cirrus were contacted for comment. Federal investigators may review radar, voice recordings and aircraft systems data to determine whether procedures and separation standards were met and whether any procedural or system changes are needed to reduce future risk.
Help us improve.
