The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, when a JetBlue flight was en route from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The crew reported a near-miss with a US Air Force KC-10 Extender tanker aircraft, which was conducting a refueling operation in the area.
According to the US Air Force, the KC-10 was flying at an altitude of around 25,000 feet when it encountered the JetBlue aircraft. The US Air Force stated that the tanker pilot took evasive action to avoid the collision, but the incident was still considered a "midair collision avoid" due to the proximity of the two aircraft.
Investigation Underway
US authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB will examine the circumstances surrounding the near-miss, including air traffic control communications and the performance of both aircraft.
An official report on the incident is expected to be released in the coming weeks, but preliminary findings suggest that a combination of factors may have contributed to the close call.
Concerns Over Air Traffic Control
The incident has sparked concerns over air traffic control procedures in the region, particularly in light of recent accidents and close calls involving commercial and military aircraft.
Aviation experts point to the increasing complexity of air traffic control in the region, which includes a growing number of commercial and military aircraft operating in the same airspace.
US Air Force Response
The US Air Force has issued a statement expressing its concern over the incident and pledging to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Air Force also emphasized the importance of safe and secure operations in the region, particularly in light of recent events.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in air traffic control, particularly in high-risk environments.
The US Air Force and other authorities will continue to investigate the incident and implement measures to prevent similar close calls in the future.