Two American Airlines aircraft operating simultaneously as Flight 2482 converged in airspace near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport shortly after midnight Friday, creating an unusual communications hazard that required an air traffic controller to distinguish between the two flights in real time. One aircraft was descending toward Phoenix after arriving from Chicago, while a second aircraft had recently departed Phoenix using the same flight number and radio call sign. Air traffic control audio reviewed by Faytuks Network shows the controller recognizing that both aircraft were on the same frequency as their projected flight paths approached one another.

After identifying the duplicate call signs, the controller began addressing the aircraft separately as the arriving and departing American 2482 flights, removing ambiguity over which aircraft was receiving each instruction. The arriving aircraft was kept above the departing flight while the controller restricted the departure’s climb to preserve vertical separation. Both flight crews were also advised of the other aircraft’s position and reported having visual contact before passing. Flight-tracking data indicated the aircraft came within roughly three miles horizontally while remaining separated by approximately 2,000 feet vertically. Required separation was maintained throughout the encounter, and both flights continued safely without further incident.

The overlap developed after weather delayed the Chicago-to-Phoenix segment of Flight 2482. American Airlines used another aircraft in Phoenix to operate the scheduled outbound segment, resulting in both aircraft temporarily operating under the same flight identification. The arrangement created the uncommon situation of two aircraft with identical call signs occupying the same airspace and radio frequency. American Airlines said the actions of the controller and flight crews ensured required separation was maintained and that the issue was identified and resolved safely.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating how the duplicate call signs were allowed to operate simultaneously. The controller, who indicated over the radio that he had worked in air traffic control for 25 years, described the situation as unlike anything he had previously encountered. The incident ended without injuries or damage but highlighted the potential communications risks created when two aircraft operating near one another share an identical flight identification.

This story has been updated since its original publication to reflect new information, additional reporting, or subsequent developments.