On the afternoon of March 28, 2025, a dangerous incident occurred over Washington, D.C.: A Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 and a U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon jet approached each other dangerously during takeoff. Thanks to the quick response of air traffic controllers and crews, a catastrophe was averted.
Delta Flight 2983, bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, departed from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at approximately 15:15 p.m. local time. At the same time, a formation of four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon jets was en route to a scheduled flyover of Arlington National Cemetery along the Potomac River. Shortly after takeoff, the Delta flight crew received an alert from the onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) about the proximity of another aircraft. Air traffic controllers responded immediately, issuing corrective instructions to both aircraft to avoid a collision. The Delta flight continued its journey and landed safely in Minneapolis.
Background of the T-38 Talon
The T-38 Talon is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic training aircraft developed by Northrop during the Cold War and still used in various roles by the U.S. Air Force and other allied forces.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Senator Amy Klobuchar expressed concern about the proximity of military jets to commercial airspace and called on the Department of Defense to review safety protocols.
Previous incidents and safety concerns
This near-miss occurred nearly two months after a fatal collision near the same airport in which a passenger plane and an Army helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing 67 people.
In recent years, several near-collisions have occurred in the United States, raising concerns about flight safety and the strain on air traffic controllers. Reports indicate an increase in cases of failure to maintain safe separation between aircraft.
Measures to improve flight safety
Following the fatal accident in January, the FAA has implemented permanent restrictions on helicopter operations near Reagan National Airport. These recent incidents underscore the need for continuous review and improvement of safety measures in U.S. airspace, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Washington, D.C.
The incident of March 28, 2025, highlights the challenges and risks inherent in modern aviation. Thanks to the swift action of air traffic controllers and crews, a potential disaster was averted. However, the need to review and adapt safety protocols remains to ensure the safety of all airspace users.
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