I-Team: Close Calls On The RiseAn alarming number of airplanes are getting too close and some federal officials want to know why. The CBS4 I-Team first warned you about close calls in our skies back in 2007. After the I-Team's first report aired the problem appeared to improve as safety officials moved to address the issue and make improvements to the nation's aviation safety system.
But now, as I-Team investigator Stephen Stock discovered, a growing number of close calls recently has gotten federal officials' attention. Experts worry that unless something is done to reduce these mid-air close calls disaster could result.
Near Collision Occurs After CBS4 ReportYet another near collision on a runway was reported in South Florida, coming less than a day after an exclusive CBS4 investigation into close calls in our skies and on our airport runways.
The CBS4 I-Team has learned that only hours after our I-Team investigation aired, it happened again. This time it happened at Miami International Airport.
This latest close call involved a twin engine turboprop and a Boeing 757. Sources tell the CBS4 I-Team that around 10 a.m. Tuesday, an American Eagle Airlines AT-72 made a wrong turn onto runway 26 L. At the same time the 757, operated by UPS, was being cleared for take off, doing 50 knots down the very same runway 26L--headed straight for the turboprop when air traffic controllers intervened and stopped both planes.