Overview
- Flights ITA Airways AZ621 to Rome and American Airlines AA4 to New York departed runways 24 and 25 with clearances for opposite turns after liftoff.
- The ITA jet began a left turn earlier than assigned, triggering an order to "turn right immediately" as the American jet was instructed to level at 1,500 feet.
- Reports based on ATC audio and tracking data indicate the aircraft closed to roughly 3,000 feet at more than 200 mph, a gap estimated at about five seconds from impact.
- ITA Airways said the flight landed ahead of schedule in Rome and that required assessments under company procedures and regulations are underway.
- CBS Los Angeles reported the FAA provided no details due to the government shutdown, and American Airlines said AA4 carried 90 passengers and seven crew.