Close Call at San Francisco Airport Raises Safety Concerns

SAN FRANCISCO, California — A near-miss incident occurred at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on May 13, 2025, involving two commercial jets that nearly collided during takeoff.

The United Airlines A320 was leaving from runway 1R, while a SkyWest CRJ-200 took off from parallel runway 1L. According to air traffic control reports, both planes were expected to follow standard instrument departure routes, with the United jet instructed to turn right and the SkyWest plane to turn left.

However, shortly after takeoff, the United jet made an unexpected left turn, placing it directly in the path of the SkyWest flight. FlightRadar24 data indicated that the two aircraft came within a lateral separation of just 1,950 feet and 275 feet of vertical separation, which is considered dangerously close in aviation terms.

Fortuitously, the SkyWest pilots received a traffic alert that prompted them to execute an evasive maneuver, avoiding a potential collision. An air traffic controller, who has worked at SFO for over 15 years, described this incident as one of the closest calls he has witnessed during his tenure.

In the aftermath, the United flight crew was instructed to report a deviation from their assigned departure path. A preliminary investigation suggested that the flight management system (FMS) of the United jet may have been incorrectly programmed, possibly leading to the left turn instead of the expected right.

This incident raises serious questions about communication protocols between air traffic control and pilots, especially given that the controller reportedly issued incorrect instructions, stating “fly runway heading” instead of the intended “fly present heading.” These miscommunications compounded the situation, and experts suggest there is room for improvement in aviation safety measures.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident, which has highlighted the critical importance of precise communication and adherence to established flight protocols. This close call serves as a reminder of the potential dangers in busy airspace and the need for ongoing vigilance from both pilots and air traffic controllers.