How Did Two Passenger Jets Come Within 400 Feet of Colliding After Takeoff at LAX?
Quick answer: Two passenger jets came within 400 feet (121 metres) of each other shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the early hours of Saturday 7 November 2026. Air traffic controllers spotted the conflict and turned both aircraft away, and both flights continued safely to their destinations.
Key facts
- What: A near-mid-air collision between two departing passenger jets
- Where: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California, shortly after takeoff from Runway 25R
- When: Early on Saturday 7 November 2026, just after midnight local time
- Aircraft: Air France flight AF28, an Airbus A350-900 (registration F-HUVK), and American Airlines flight AA1660, an Airbus A321-200 (registration N191UW)
- Closest approach: Within 400 feet (121 metres) of vertical separation
- Outcome: No collision; both flights continued safely to their destinations
What happened
Air France flight AF28 was bound for Papeete, in French Polynesia, and American Airlines flight AA1660 was bound for Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. AF28 departed at 00:15 local time and AA1660 at 00:16.
AF28 had been cleared to take off via the SUMMR2 departure procedure, a set route that tells departing aircraft which direction to fly after takeoff. Instead, the Air France jet made an unauthorised sharp left turn shortly after leaving Runway 25R, crossing the departure path of the American Airlines jet. The American flight had been told by air traffic control to stay at 2,000 feet, to allow the Air France widebody to turn and climb above it.
How controllers averted a collision
The departure controller quickly spotted the developing conflict and instructed both aircraft to turn away from each other. The two jets, which together could have been carrying more than 500 passengers, were kept apart, and both were then able to continue safely to their intended destinations.
What happens next
Simple Flying said it had contacted Air France for comment on the incident on Sunday. Further detail is expected from the airline and the US Federal Aviation Administration as the incident is reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
How close did the two jets come at LAX?
The two aircraft came within 400 feet (121 metres) of vertical separation as both departed from Los Angeles International Airport.
Which flights were involved?
Air France flight AF28, an Airbus A350-900 registered F-HUVK, flying from Los Angeles to Papeete; and American Airlines flight AA1660, an Airbus A321-200 registered N191UW, flying from Los Angeles to Dallas/Fort Worth.
What caused the near-miss?
AF28 made an unauthorised left turn shortly after takeoff instead of following the cleared SUMMR2 departure procedure, crossing the path of AA1660.
Were any passengers hurt?
The reports do not mention any injuries. Both flights continued safely to their destinations.
When did the incident happen?
Early on Saturday 7 November 2026. AF28 departed at 00:15 and AA1660 at 00:16 local time.
*This is a developing story compiled from verified reporting; figures may change as official information is released.*
Source: Simple Flying — https://simpleflying.com/air-france-a350-american-airlines-a321-near-midair-collision-lax/
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