FAA and NTSB Investigate Close Call Between Delta and American Jets at Boston Logan

Federal investigators have launched inquiries into a close call at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) after a landing Delta Air Lines flight aborted its approach to avoid an American Airlines jet departing from an intersecting runway. The two commercial aircraft came within an estimated 300 feet of each other during the Saturday morning incident.

The incident occurred on June 20 at approximately 11:34 a.m. local time. Delta Flight 2351, an Airbus A319 (registration N328NB) arriving from Dallas, was cleared to land on Runway 33L, the airport's longest runway at 10,083 feet. Simultaneously, American Airlines Flight 3161, a Boeing 737-800 (registration N316PF) bound for Charlotte, was cleared for takeoff on Runway 27. Runway 27 intersects Runway 33L roughly 2,300 to 2,600 feet from the landing threshold.

According to flight-tracking data analyzed by former Boeing safety engineer Todd Curtis, the two aircraft came within 300 feet of each other as the Delta crew spotted the departing American jet and initiated an emergency go-around. Air traffic control audio captured the controller asking, "American 3161, where are you going?" The American pilot responded, "You cleared us for takeoff, 3161." The Delta pilot then informed controllers, "Delta 2351 going around because of American."

Delta reported that there were 129 passengers and six crew members on board the Airbus A319. The airline noted that its onboard systems issued a traffic advisory as the plane descended, alerting the crew to the conflict before air traffic control intervened. The flight climbed to 3,000 feet, circled back, and landed safely approximately 10 minutes later.

The incident has quickly drawn federal scrutiny. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board launched formal investigations. The close call also became a focal point during a scheduled Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing on Tuesday examining safety across the national airspace system.

Senator Jerry Moran also weighed in during his opening remarks at the hearing, noting that while the flights landed safely, the event serves as a warning about systemic vulnerabilities. FAA and NTSB investigators are currently reviewing flight data recorder information and tower communications to determine why the conflicting clearances were issued.