The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating an incident involving an American Airlines flight that narrowly avoided a collision with a mountain after departing from Honolulu International Airport.
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning as American Airlines Flight 298, bound for Los Angeles, was ascending after takeoff. According to the FAA, the flight crew failed to make an assigned turn, prompting an air traffic controller to instruct the pilots to execute an “expedited climb” to avoid nearby terrain.
An American Airlines spokesperson stated that the flight crew had requested and received clearance to turn right during the ascent.
READ: Spirit Airlines Flight From Florida Struck By Gunfire In Haiti
The spokesperson also emphasized that there were no terrain clearance issues and no alerts from the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS), which warns pilots about potential collisions with terrain.
Despite the airline’s statement, the FAA is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the near-miss incident and to ensure the safety of future flights. This incident highlights the critical role of air traffic control and onboard safety systems in preventing aviation accidents.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.