FAA Investigating Near-Miss Incident Between Alaska Airlines and SkyWest Planes at Portland Airport

FAA explores details of alarmingly close encounter wherein two commercial flights at Portland International Airport came within an estimated 1,800 feet horizontally and 250 feet vertically of each other due to inclement weather.

The FAA is investigating a near-miss incident between Alaska Airlines Flight 1299 and SkyWest Airlines Flight 3978 at Portland International Airport. The incident occurred when the Alaska Airlines flight initiated a go-around due to inclement weather and maneuvered into the path of the SkyWest flight, which was just taking off.
An air traffic controller intervened during the incident, radioing the Alaska Airlines pilot to divert the plane's course away from the SkyWest aircraft. Both planes managed to land safely at their intended destinations after the incident.
Estimates based on publicly available flight data suggest that the aircraft came within approximately 1,800 feet horizontally and 250 feet vertically of each other. The FAA defines a near midair collision as an incident that occurs when a plane comes within less than 500 feet of another aircraft, or when a collision hazard is reported.
In their statements, both Alaska Airlines and SkyWest Airlines emphasized their commitment to safety, maintaining that no harm was incurred during the event. Alaska Airlines is internally reviewing the incident and SkyWest reassured that the safety of its flight was never compromised, with pilots following Air Traffic Control instructions throughout the entire event.
The incident signals a wider issue in the aviation industry, with the FAA announcing extra steps that air traffic controllers should take after several near-miss incidents this year. Measures such as increased air traffic control training and airport construction projects to enhance safety and reduce close calls have been proposed.