Near-Miss Between Taxiing Jets at SFO Sounds Like Fault of Overworked Air Traffic Controller

A United Airlines flight crew prevented a near-miss incident at San Francisco International Airport on June 24 when an air traffic controller mistakenly instructed them to cross a runway occupied by an incoming Air Canada jet. The United pilot sought clarification after noticing the incoming traffic, leading the controller to correct his earlier instruction. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety of air travel, particularly regarding air traffic controller fatigue. The FAA is investigating the situation, which comes on the heels of a previous near-miss incident at SFO on May 13, where two planes narrowly avoided a collision during takeoff. In that incident, a United plane turned left instead of following the control tower's instructions, prompting questions about automated flight systems.

Both occurrences highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures in air traffic management. The increasing frequency of such incidents calls for a thorough review of air traffic control practices and potential policy changes. Authorities are focusing on these concerns to ensure passenger safety and restore confidence in air travel.