Overview

• A JetBlue pilot's quick maneuver prevented two planes from colliding on a runway in Colorado.
• Unclear communication between the planes and the air traffic control center led to one plane taking off and one coming in to land at around the same time.
• The pilot of the JetBlue Airbus A320 increased the thrust during take-off to avoid the incoming plane, causing its tail to strike the runway's surface and resulting in substantial damage.
• There have been an alarming number of potentially dangerous close calls between aircraft happening on average weekly, according to the Federal Aviation Authority.
• The risks are exacerbated by a shortage of air traffic controllers creating an exhausted workforce prone to making mistakes.