Air traffic controllers have incredibly stressful jobs, and a vast majority of them are true professionals. Here’s the perfect example of that, as shared by VASAviation.
In this post:
Southwest 737 pilot error leads to mid-air mess in Phoenix
This incident happened on February 24, 2025, near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), and involves a close call between a Southwest Boeing 737 on approach from Los Angeles (LAX), and an American Airbus A321 on approach from Dallas (DFW).
The two planes were approaching the airport around the same time, landing on parallel runways into the west. The American A321 was on a straight-in approach for the runway, while the Southwest 737 was approaching from the south, and was supposed to make a turn to the west, to land on the parallel runway.
In this situation, the air traffic controller told the Southwest pilots that “I’ll have one more turn for you in just a second,” and he advised that there’s “traffic out there one o’clock, straight in for the north side at 5,000, it’s an American A321.” The Southwest pilot confirmed that they had the other traffic in sight.
A short while later, the Southwest pilots were given the instructions that they were expecting, to turn left for final. However, suddenly there was no response. This posed a major issue, since the Southwest 737 was flying straight for the American A321 that was supposed to land on the parallel runway. Executing a parallel approach like this requires all pilots to follow turn instructions promptly, for obvious reasons.
The air traffic controller received a traffic alert, and to avoid a collision, he instructed the American A321 to turn right as soon as possible, and then to climb, to get the planes off a collision course.
After continuing to make several more calls for the Southwest pilots, there was finally a response. As it turned out, the Southwest pilot working the radios had switched the frequency too soon, and had left the approach frequency.
Obviously this caused major confusion in the flight deck. The pilots were anticipating a turn, but couldn’t hear the instructions they were being given. One wonders what they were thinking in the flight deck, since they also claimed to have visual of the other aircraft, which they were heading straight for.
Eventually the Southwest pilot returned to the frequency, and explained the mistake he had made. All planes lined up for their approaches again, and landed without incident.
This air traffic controller is a rockstar
Air traffic controllers deserve our respect, and this interaction is the perfect example of the incredible stress they’re under. Honestly, this air traffic controller is simply stellar — I highly recommend watching the above video.
This controller is on his game, rattles off instructions back-to-back without flinching, and handles the entire situation calmly yet with urgency.
A lot of people may think they have stressful jobs, but air traffic controllers deal with this kind of stuff all day, and it’s amazing the amount of pressure they’re constantly under. I hope this guy gets a pat on the back, because he’s a true professional you want in this role. I’m sure both pilots and passengers agree.
Unlike some other notable air traffic control videos we see, there’s no yelling, or ego, or reprimanding on frequency. There’s just taking care of business, and keeping the skies safe.
Obviously this was a pilot screw up. I think just about every pilot has made the mistake where they accidentally switched frequencies incorrectly. Admittedly in this case, the Southwest pilot working the radios couldn’t have picked a worse time for something like this to happen, given that they were on approach, flying straight for another aircraft.
But hey, all’s well that ends well, I suppose…
Bottom line
A Southwest Boeing 737 and American Airbus A321 had a close call at Phoenix Airport. The planes were supposed to land on parallel runways. Unfortunately the pilots of the Southwest 737 switched frequencies prematurely, and as a result, they didn’t hear the instructions to make a turn.
The good thing is that the air traffic controller was on top of his game, and the American pilots quickly followed his instructions, preventing a potentially dangerous situation.
What do you make of this Phoenix Airport approach incident?
It is about time to implement AI in traffic control management.
I am so sick of this administration portraying government employees as lazy and/or incompetent. Based on Musk's massive cuts and the mistakes DOGE has made (cutting 300 employees responsible for our nuclear arsenal is one example), I know where the incompetence truly lies.
That was a stellar heads-up move! Good thing Musk didn't fire this air traffic controller.
Another great job by dedicated, hardworking federal employees.
How is this political?
Aviation exists - political hardliners: This catastrophy / save was 100% caused by DEI / Trump and the other side is just the worst!
Are you okay America?
Who said anything about trump? I think it’s time to turn off the glowing idiot box and go outside and touch grass.
The pilot seemed out of it. However, these incidents are now being broadcasted all over Youtube. Five years ago they weren't a "thing." And by the way, the FAA is actively recruiting new, qualified, controllers. The stupidity of comments is amazing.
17 of VASAviation's top 20 videos are at least 5 years old. Nice try though, George!
But they hasn't gotten the level of attention until lately. Nice try Ben.
It makes total sense that a recent surge of interest in ATC videos would be largely directed towards the old videos. Good luck with your shoelaces, George.
American aviation making Russia look safe.
Well done Trump and Elon
Egregious error, but "it could happen to anyone". Can't praise ATC enough for this save. I don't mean this as a political comment, but it shows we DO NEED fully-staffed and well-trained ATC centers and towers.
Why are we having so many near-misses these days? Are the people who are doing these jobs just dumber post pandemic? Or are they just less well trained or qualified than before?
Maybe we are just paying more attention.
A lot of your readers will say what i say is bs, but this is again clear evidence that we're better without the bullsht DEI. Had Trump and Musk not gotten rid of all the non-white underqualified people, this would've been an accident instead of a close call.
The more Canada, Biden and rest of the world are trying to do these little things to sabotage us, the more we need our true American...
A lot of your readers will say what i say is bs, but this is again clear evidence that we're better without the bullsht DEI. Had Trump and Musk not gotten rid of all the non-white underqualified people, this would've been an accident instead of a close call.
The more Canada, Biden and rest of the world are trying to do these little things to sabotage us, the more we need our true American men to protect our women and children.
Good work Musk and Trump, god bless you and America for putting us on the right track.
You forgot the "/s" at the end.
@snic, as much as it'll be nice to think that JPlat is ultimately satire, from the previous posts and chatter with others, he (and I can only guess that it's a he), truly believes every word that's been written.
I guess this is America now
Your racism is showing.
During the pandemic air travel was far lower and many pilots were laid off or took early retirement. And those that stayed got a great deal less flying time. So there is an ongoing experience gap.
You're effectively infringing on my free speech if you're not letting people like me speak up about what was wrong with America. The rest of the world has been trying to silence people like Trump and Musk for long enough.
America should be ruled by the right men, served by capable people.
The people calling you out for being a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot have just as much right to free speech as you have.
MAGA: “Infringing on free speech is when people disagree with me”
The YouTube VASaviation channel has the entire conversation along with simulated radar on. They even added color-coded subtitles. It's pretty unnerving, but yes, ATC was 100% professional.
Thank you President Musk and Real World guy Sean Duffy for another near miss.
You are quite gullible if you believe anything that has happened since the inauguration is responsible for current aviation events. This has been a festering problem for a decade.
Really? Not my problem? Wake up. Trump owns it now and has done nothing but damage
Pilots and ATC all suddenly became stupid and incompetent overnight because some guy you don't like got elected?! Grow. Up. Gurl.
The controllers and the systems they rely on have been attacked over the past two months. You don't think that adds stress and distraction to their work environment? Grow up yourself.
You do realize we read about several close calls in 2024 on this site?