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FAA Investigates Controller Who Averted American Airlines Collision

8/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Phoenix air traffic controller averted a collision between two American Airlines flights both numbered 2482.
One 2482 was arriving from Chicago, the other departing Phoenix after a weather delay.
The controller kept the arrival above the departure and instructed the departing plane not to climb too high.
The FAA and American Airlines opened investigations, stressing safety after the pilot praised the controller, who warned it could have been disastrous.

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Story summary

A Phoenix air traffic controller averted a collision between two American Airlines flights both numbered 2482.
One 2482 was arriving from Chicago, the other departing Phoenix after a weather delay.
The controller kept the arrival above the departure and instructed the departing plane not to climb too high.
The FAA and American Airlines opened investigations, stressing safety after the pilot praised the controller, who warned it could have been disastrous.