Quick Actions Avert Collision of 2 Planes
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SALINAS, Calif. — An alert air traffic controller and a quick maneuver by an AirCal pilot avoided what could have been a tragic collision between a jet carrying 96 passengers from Los Angeles and a small plane, officials said Wednesday.
AirCal Flight 2385 from Los Angeles to San Jose came within 50 to 100 feet of hitting a twin-engine Beechcraft King Air about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Vince Mellone, manager of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Air Traffic Control Center in Oakland.
The AirCal pilot disconnected his auto pilot and dove to avoid hitting the other plane, Mellone said. The incident occurred at 15,000 feet 15 miles east of Salinas as the AirCal jet was approaching San Jose International Airport.
A traffic controller alerted the AirCal pilot that the small plane was crossing his path about five miles ahead, Mellone said. “The radio traffic controller probably saved a tragedy,” he added.
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