Delta regional jet narrowly avoids collision with departing business plane at LaGuardia

On Oct. 7, just before 4 p.m., a Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 was on approach to LaGuardia Airport when a business jet began its takeoff run, creating a near-miss situation. Flight-tracking records indicate the two aircraft came within approximately 1,000 feet of each other, prompting the Delta crew to abort the landing and climb back into the traffic pattern. Air traffic control audio captured a disagreement over whether the business jet had been cleared for departure, with a controller stating the pilot had not received takeoff clearance.

Delta confirmed the decision was made to maintain safe separation, and the flight from Omaha subsequently touched down without incident. No passengers or crew were injured. The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation to determine the exact clearances issued and whether communication errors contributed to the incident.