NTSB Investigating Near Midair Collision in Chicago

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a near midair collision in Chicago in which two airplanes came in close proximity to one another.

On July 21, 2008, at 12:47 Central Daylight Time, an Embraer ERJ-145, operating as American Eagle flight 298, and a Learjet LR60 (N252RP) were involved in a near midair collision at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (KORD), according to initial reports. The ERJ-145 was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as a scheduled air carrier and the Learjet was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as a corporate flight.

The ERJ-145 airplane was departing runway 32L and the Learjet was landing on runway 9R. The local assistant/monitor for the local air traffic controller observed the converging paths of the two airplanes and advised the local controller to instruct the Learjet to go around. The ERJ-145 airplane was instructed to stay low on departure.

Analysis of radar replays revealed that the Learjet passed 325 feet above and slightly behind the departing ERJ-145.

There were no reported injuries or damage to the aircraft.

As a result of this incident, new procedures have been implemented for arrivals to runway 9R requiring specific coordination between approach control and the tower regarding whether 9R is in use.

A preliminary report of the incident will be available on the Board's website later this week.