FAA investigates after two American Airlines flights used same call sign at Sky Harbor

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in which two American Airlines flights operated under the same flight number simultaneously, creating a potential safety hazard.

American Airlines Flight 2482 was descending into Sky Harbor around midnight Friday when another Flight 2482 departed the airport using the identical call sign, the FAA confirmed to KTAR News 92.3 FM.

Controllers recognized the conflict and maintained required separation between the aircraft. Both flights continued without incident.

Flight 2482 is a round-trip flight that uses the same flight number from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Sky Harbor and back, according to American Airlines. Flight tracking data shows one Flight 2482 departed Phoenix at 11:41 p.m. Thursday while the other arrived at 12:15 a.m. Friday, placing both aircraft in the same airspace with the same identifier.

American Airlines said it is reviewing the incident.

“The diligence and professionalism of air traffic controllers and our pilots ensured required separation was always maintained, and the issue was identified and addressed,” the airline said in a statement to KTAR News 92.3FM. “Both flights continued safely and without incident.”

Air traffic control audio reportedly archived by LiveATC captured controllers reacting to the event.

“That’s the first time I’ve been working air traffic for 25 years. I’ve never seen two aircraft pretty much merge with the same call sign. That’s pretty incredible,” one controller said.

“It could have been disastrous, but I’m glad it all worked out,” another responded.

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