JetBlue Flight 1256 Came Within 500 Feet of Beechcraft Near Fort Lauderdale as FAA Probes Pilot
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 3
JetBlue Flight 1256 Came Within 500 Feet of Beechcraft Near Fort Lauderdale as FAA Probes Pilot
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 3
Summary
Monday’s near miss unfolded around 6:15 p.m. as JetBlue Flight 1256 approached Fort Lauderdale and reported a smaller plane “turning towards us” about a mile away.
ATC audio captured the controller calling the other pilot “Mad Max” and “insane,” while warning another JetBlue crew that the aircraft had “been trying to climb at aircraft.”
The FAA said required separation was maintained and both JetBlue flights landed safely, even though the smaller plane was not communicating with controllers.
Previous reporting identified the aircraft as a Beechcraft 76 that came within 500 feet vertically of the JetBlue jet; the FAA is still investigating why it was flying erratically.
The incident adds to a string of recent U.S. aviation close calls, sharpening scrutiny of safety in congested airspace around South Florida.