Full Breakdown
Delta Flight 2351 Near-Miss Triggers Safety Review at Boston Logan
6/23/2026, 12:08:17 AM
Incident Overview
On the morning of Saturday, December 9 2025, Delta Air Lines flight 2351 from Dallas attempted to land on runway 15R at Logan International Airport. While on final approach, an American Airlines jet was cleared to depart from intersecting runway 15L. Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the two aircraft came within roughly 300 feet (? 90 meters) of each other. The Delta crew executed a go-around, coordinated with air-traffic control, and later landed safely. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opened an investigation into the runway incursion.
Background: Runway Incursions and Recent Accidents
Runway incursions—unauthorized presence of an aircraft, vehicle, or person on a runway—have been a persistent safety focus for the FAA. The close call at Logan follows a spate of recent aviation incidents: a gaming-company founder died in a crash in France, a business jet crashed in Laredo, Texas, a B-52 test flight failed at Edwards Air Force Base, and a sky-diving plane accident in Missouri killed twelve. These events have heightened scrutiny of the national airspace system.
Key Stakeholders
- Delta Air Lines – Operator of flight 2351, 129 passengers and six crew.
- American Airlines – Operator of the departing aircraft.
- Federal Aviation Administration – Lead investigative agency.
- Todd Curtis – Former Boeing safety engineer, aviation-safety commentator.
- Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation – Scheduled a hearing on runway safety.
- Logan International Airport – Facility where the incident occurred.
Data Summary
- Separation distance: ~300 feet (? 90 meters).
- Delta flight load: 129 passengers, 6 crew members.
- Runways involved: 15R (landing) and 15L (departure).
- Investigation status: Ongoing FAA inquiry; American Airlines and Logan Airport deferred comment to the FAA.
Official Statements & Responses
The FAA confirmed the investigation and reiterated that go-arounds are routine safety procedures. A Delta spokesperson said the crew coordinated with controllers to perform the go-around and that the aircraft subsequently landed without injury. The Senate Commerce Subcommittee announced a Capitol Hill hearing to explore measures for strengthening safety across the national airspace system.
Criticism & Calls for Reform
Todd Curtis described the event as “a significant incident,” emphasizing concern that two professional airline crews came so close. Federal officials have long warned about runway incursions, and the incident is expected to intensify legislative pressure for stricter procedural safeguards.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on the 300-foot separation and the flight details; no contradictory figures appear. However, American Airlines and Logan Airport have not provided independent comments, leaving their perspective on the runway clearance process undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a significant incident,” — Todd Curtis, former Boeing safety engineer
- “The crew of Delta flight 2351 coordinated with air traffic control to perform the go-around, an airline spokesperson said.” — Airline spokesperson, Delta Air Lines
- “Go-arounds are safe, routine procedures performed at the discretion of the pilot or air traffic controllers, according to the FAA.” — Federal Aviation Administration
- “The plane, which had 129 passengers and six crew members on board, landed safely and deplaned normally, according to the spokesperson.” — Airline spokesperson, Delta Air Lines
Outlook: Legislative Hearing and Safety Review
The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation will hold a hearing on Tuesday to examine runway-incursion trends and consider regulatory enhancements. The FAA’s investigation findings are expected to inform any forthcoming policy adjustments aimed at preventing similar near-misses.
