Investigation Into Near Air Crash at O’Hare Under Way
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WASHINGTON — Authorities are investigating an incident in which the pilot of a United Airlines jetliner had to make an abrupt maneuver while taking off from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to avoid an incoming commuter plane, it was disclosed Friday.
The pilot of the Boeing 737, which was carrying 101 people, told authorities that he missed colliding with the twin-engined commuter, operated by Air Wisconsin, by fewer than 75 feet Thursday afternoon.
The commuter pilot “saw a shadow only. He didn’t see the other aircraft,” said one source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Matthew Gonring, a spokesman for United Airlines, confirmed the incident and said both the Federal Aviation Administration and the airline were investigating.
According to government and aviation industry sources, the United pilot had received clearance to take off, but that the initial clearance was garbled. A second clearance was given 10 seconds later.
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