A serious aviation incident unfolded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on February 25th, when an American Airlines Airbus A319 operating flight 2246 from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) was forced to abort its landing due to another aircraft being cleared for takeoff from the same runway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed the occurrence, adding to growing concerns over recent aviation safety incidents across the United States.

American Airlines Flight 2246 – A Close Call

At approximately 08:30 AM local time, American Airlines flight 2246 was on final approach to Runway 19 when air traffic control (ATC) issued an urgent “go-around” order. The decision was made after controllers noticed that another American Airlines aircraft, an Airbus A320 operating flight 1519 to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), had already begun its takeoff roll on the same runway.

The A319, registered N809AW, was just 600 feet above ground level and less than a mile from landing when the last-minute maneuver was executed. The pilots immediately climbed out of their approach and entered a holding pattern before safely landing approximately 10 minutes later.

This potential runway conflict underscores the critical role of ATC vigilance and quick pilot responses in preventing accidents. The FAA has since acknowledged the event and is expected to review the circumstances leading to the near-miss.

Eyewitness Reactions – “It Felt Like an Emergency Maneuver”

Itai Verdi, a passenger on flight 2246, told The Seattle Times that the sudden go-around felt more like an emergency than a standard aviation procedure.

“Because of the recent mid-air collision near Washington, I was already a bit nervous about the approach. Then, out of nowhere, the plane rapidly climbed again—it didn’t feel gradual at all,” he said.

While go-arounds are a common safety practice, the low altitude and close proximity to the runway made this maneuver particularly intense for passengers onboard.

FAA and Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny

This incident at Reagan National Airport is not an isolated event. Just 30 minutes later, a Southwest Airlines flight at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) was forced to go around after touchdown due to a Flexjet private aircraft crossing the active runway without clearance. The FAA has classified that incident as a runway incursion, a growing concern in recent aviation safety discussions.

In addition, 2024 has seen an unusual number of aviation mishaps in the United States, including:

• January 29: A mid-air collision over Washington, D.C.
• February 10: A private jet veered off the runway in Arizona.
• Delta Connection CRJ900 flipped over upon landing in Toronto.

With these concerning trends, the FAA has reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing operational safety protocols, ensuring that runway incursions and near-miss events do not escalate into catastrophic accidents.

FAA Investigation and Air Traffic Control Oversight

The FAA has launched an internal review of the incident at Reagan National Airport and is expected to assess:
ATC decision-making and separation protocols.
Pilot responses and flight safety measures.
Coordination between ATC and departing/arriving aircraft.

As aviation safety remains under heightened scrutiny, officials urge continued vigilance in air traffic management and improvements in runway conflict prevention strategies.

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