An Air France aircraft made an unauthorized turn during takeoff at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) early Saturday, bringing it within 500 vertical feet of an American Airlines flight, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 a.m. on November 7, 2026, when Air France Flight 28, bound for Tahiti, departed from a parallel runway and turned into the path of American Airlines Flight 1660, which was headed toward Dallas-Fort Worth. Air traffic controllers issued immediate corrective instructions to the Air France crew, directing them to change course. The two aircraft came within less than one mile of each other, according to FAA statements and air traffic control audio reviewed by multiple outlets.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Controllers issued a traffic alert to the American Airlines pilots, instructing them to maintain an altitude of 2,000 feet as the Air France jet approached. The American Airlines crew responded by confirming the instruction. The FAA stated that controllers questioned the Air France crew after the incident about whether the correct departure instructions had been relayed.
The FAA described the Air France turn as unauthorized, noting that the aircraft had not been cleared for the maneuver. The agency did not provide further details on why the unauthorized turn occurred or whether pilot error, mechanical issues, or other factors were involved.
Context and Recent Safety Concerns at LAX
The near-collision is the latest in a series of safety incidents at LAX. On October 6, 2026, two planes collided on the runway, and a month later, a Southwest Airlines flight made an emergency landing at the airport. The FAA has not explicitly linked these incidents but has not ruled out broader systemic concerns.
Both Air France and American Airlines declined to comment when contacted by reporters. Aviation experts, including retired airline captain Steven Arroyo, noted that the proximity of the two aircraft—within 400 feet vertically—posed a significant risk. Arroyo emphasized that unauthorized turns during takeoff are rare and require immediate intervention from air traffic control.
FAA Review and Next Steps
The FAA has not announced a formal investigation into the incident but stated that it is reviewing the circumstances. The agency has not indicated whether any disciplinary actions or procedural changes will follow. Aviation safety advocates have called for enhanced training for pilots and air traffic controllers to prevent similar occurrences.
The FAA’s statement did not specify whether the Air France aircraft had received clearance for its turn or if the crew misunderstood instructions. The incident remains under review, with no timeline provided for additional updates.