Full Breakdown
Delta Flight 2351 Executes Go-Around to Avoid Collision with American Airlines Jet at Boston Logan
6/23/2026, 9:12:07 PM
Near-Miss at Boston Logan
On June 20, 2026, at about 11:30 a.m., Delta Flight 2351, an Airbus A319 from Dallas, was on final approach to runway 4L at Boston Logan when American Flight 3161, a Boeing 737-800, was cleared for takeoff on intersecting runway 15R. The Delta crew announced a go-around as the aircraft passed within 300 feet (?90 m).
Runway Layout and Stakeholders
Boston Logan’s runway layout requires tight coordination. The incident involves Delta, American, the FAA, the NTSB, Massport, and safety analysts such as former Boeing engineer Todd Curtis and Delta spokesperson Anthony Black.
Timeline of the Incident
11:30 a.m. – American 3161 cleared for takeoff on runway 15R.
11:34 a.m. – Delta 2351 on runway 4L receives a traffic advisory and initiates a go-around.
11:45 a.m. – Delta lands safely after a second approach.
FAA/NTSB investigations begin June 21-22; Senate hearing set for June 23.
Data Snapshot
The jets were separated by about 300 feet (?90 m). Delta’s A319 carried 129 passengers and six crew; the American flight’s passenger count was not disclosed. No injuries or damage occurred. The FAA classifies the event a serious incident and runway incursion; 15,000 close calls have been recorded in the past three years.
Safety Implications
The near miss highlights runway-incursion fragility at busy hubs. Experts call for advanced radar, automated alerts, revised procedures, and congressional oversight.
Official Responses
The FAA opened a formal investigation, labeling the event a close call and reviewing radar data and controller tapes. The NTSB also opened an investigation. Delta’s Anthony Black said the crew followed procedures after an onboard traffic advisory. American Airlines referred questions to the FAA. Massport directed inquiries to federal agencies. FAA specialist Crystal Essiaw noted the go-around is a routine safety maneuver.
Critique from Safety Experts
Former Boeing safety engineer Todd Curtis called the episode “a significant incident,” suggesting runway-incursion procedures may have been missed and that such close approaches “shouldn’t have happened.” Matt Collins, whose brother died in a 2025 mid-air collision, said, “It is frightening that this stuff is still happening.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Accounts differ: some say the Delta jet went around after a traffic advisory, others claim the American aircraft entered an intersecting runway or that controllers lost track of the departure. Whether the takeoff clearance preceded the final-approach clearance remains under investigation, and the American flight’s passenger count was not released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Delta... uhh... 2351 going around because of American,” — Delta pilot (LiveATC audio)
- “You cleared us for takeoff 3161.” — American Airlines pilot (LiveATC audio)
- “This is a significant incident,” — Todd Curtis, former Boeing safety engineer
- “Delta aircraft are equipped with technology to warn crews of potential conflicts with other aircraft and our pilots train extensively to respond,” — Anthony Black, Delta spokesperson
What’s Next
The FAA and NTSB will issue preliminary findings in the coming weeks, followed by a final report. The Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing on June 23 will examine runway-incursion mitigation. Airlines are reviewing internal procedures while Boston Logan continues normal operations pending safety recommendations.
