On September 21, 2023, a United Airlines flight experienced a safety incident during its approach to San Francisco International Airport. United Airlines Flight 2428 executed a maneuver to prevent a potential midair collision, resulting in injuries to two passengers.
The event unfolded at approximately 12:45 p.m. local time as the aircraft was descending towards its destination. The flight crew responded to an onboard alert indicating the presence of another aircraft in the vicinity. This prompt action highlights the critical role of modern aviation safety systems, such as the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which has been mandatory for all commercial aircraft in the United States since 1993.
Two passengers reported injuries during the incident. One individual was not in their seat at the time, despite the illuminated seat-belt sign. Both were subsequently transported to a hospital for evaluation. The extent of their injuries was not disclosed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the occurrence. Established in 1958, the FAA plays a crucial role in maintaining aviation safety standards. According to their preliminary statement, there was no loss of safe separation between the two aircraft involved.
United Airlines, founded in 1926 as Varney Air Lines, expressed gratitude to their crew for their efforts in ensuring passenger and employee safety. The airline, which operates over 4,500 flights daily, is part of the Star Alliance, a global airline network formed in 1997.
This incident occurred in the airspace managed by the Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center. Established in 1936, this facility handles the largest volume of international airspace globally, overseeing both domestic and oceanic flights. The complexity of their operations underscores the importance of advanced air traffic management systems.
The event serves as a reminder of the intricate nature of air travel safety. On an average day, approximately 45,000 flights traverse American airspace, carrying around 2.9 million passengers. San Francisco International Airport alone handles over 55 million travelers annually, making it the busiest airport in Northern California.
Aviation safety has come a long way since the first commercial flight in 1914 and the first midair collision in 1922. Today, air traffic controllers use sophisticated radar and satellite technology to track aircraft, a far cry from the flag-based system employed by Archie League, the first air traffic controller, in 1929.
As the investigation continues, this incident may contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance aviation safety. The FAA's NextGen program, aimed at modernizing air traffic control systems, and the continuous refinement of safety regulations outlined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, demonstrate the industry's commitment to passenger safety.
"We're grateful to our crew for their efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and customers."
This event highlights the critical importance of adherence to safety protocols, both by airline crews and passengers, in maintaining the remarkable safety record of commercial aviation.