FAA Investigates Close Call Between Delta and American Airlines Flights at Boston Logan

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating a runway incursion at Boston Logan International Airport that forced a Delta Air Lines flight to abort its landing on Saturday. According to the FAA, the incident occurred when Delta Flight 2351, an Airbus A321 arriving from Dallas-Fort Worth, performed a “go-around” maneuver to maintain safe separation from an American Airlines flight that was cleared to depart from an intersecting runway.

What happened during the incident?

The incident took place on Saturday morning as the Delta aircraft was on final approach. According to flight data and official statements, the crew of Delta Flight 2351 executed a go-around—a standard safety procedure where a pilot climbs and circles back for another landing attempt—after air traffic controllers identified a potential conflict with an American Airlines departure. The Delta flight, carrying 129 passengers and six crew members, landed safely on its second attempt. No injuries were reported, and the airport continued normal operations throughout the day.

How does the FAA define a go-around?

The FAA classifies a go-around as a safe, routine procedure designed to prevent potential collisions. Pilots are trained to initiate these maneuvers at their own discretion or upon the instruction of air traffic control if a runway is not clear or if flight conditions are deemed unstable. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which tracks aviation safety trends, go-arounds are a primary tool used to maintain the “safety buffer” required between aircraft operating on intersecting or parallel runways in busy terminal environments.

Why is the NTSB reviewing recent runway incursions?

This incident follows a series of high-profile close calls at major U.S. airports that have prompted increased scrutiny from federal regulators. In early 2023, the NTSB launched investigations into multiple runway incursions, including a notable event at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport where a FedEx cargo plane and a Southwest Airlines jet came within roughly 100 feet of each other. The FAA has since implemented updated safety briefings for air traffic controllers and ramp operators to address concerns regarding the increased volume of air traffic and staffing shortages in control towers.

Key Details of the Boston Logan Event

• Date of Incident: Saturday, March 4, 2023.
• Involved Carriers: Delta Air Lines (arriving) and American Airlines (departing).
• Aircraft Status: All passengers and crew landed safely; no emergency was declared.
• Regulatory Oversight: The FAA is leading the investigation into the separation standards maintained by the control tower.

The FAA continues to review cockpit voice recordings and radar data to determine the exact distance between the two aircraft during the maneuver. While the agency has not released a final report, such investigations typically focus on whether air traffic control clearance protocols were followed or if environmental factors at the airport contributed to the communication lapse.