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Air traffic controller catches two planes with same call sign, averting disaster

Two American Airlines jets in the same airspace briefly shared the same flight number and radio frequency. Luckily, the quick thinking of a veteran air traffic controller prevented potential catastrophe. Kris Van Cleave has the story.

Published August 15, 2026, 3:20 PM
Updated August 15, 2026, 3:38 PM560
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Air traffic controller catches two planes with same call sign, averting disaster

Two American Airlines jets in the same airspace briefly shared the same flight number and radio frequency. Luckily, the quick thinking of a veteran air traffic controller prevented potential catastrophe. Kris Van Cleave has the story.

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