Delta Flight To Minnesota Has Startling Close Call With Military Jet

Experts say that traveling by airplane is still the safest way to get to your destination, and safety numbers in recent years have only improved as the aviation industry reportedly prioritizes safety through continuous advancements in technology, rigorous training programs, and comprehensive safety protocols.

Recent statistics show that the risk of a fatal accident while traveling by airplane is about one in 13.7 million boardings.

While those numbers can be reassuring, recent incidents have rattled some travelers, most notably the January 29 mid-air collision between a passenger jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River that killed 67 people.

Now, more scary airline travel news has surfaced about a recent "unbelievably dangerous" incident involving a Delta Airlines plane bound for MSP Airport in Minnesota and an Air Force T-38 jet.

 A Horrific Tragedy Narrowly Avoided

According to a report, the incident occurred on Friday, March 28, as a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 was taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, bound for MSP.

Delta has confirmed that 131 passengers, three flight attendants, and two pilots were on the plane.

Delta Flight 2983 was departing at its scheduled time of 3:15 p.m. ET when alarms sounded in the passenger plane's cockpit, warning that another aircraft was dangerously close.

The FAA reported that air traffic controllers were then forced to issue corrective instructions to both aircraft. The other aircraft was later identified as a US Air Force jet, which is often used by the military for training.

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This jet was one of four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talons that were inbound to Arlington National Cemetery for a flyover, according to the FAA. It flew past the Delta plane and DCA airport, going more than 350 miles per hour at 800 feet.

According to CNN, who reviewed air traffic control audio from LiveATC.net, the Delta pilot asked air traffic controllers, "On that departure...was there an actual aircraft about 500 feet below us as we came off the DCA", meaning the airport.

The air traffic controller answered with "affirmative", confirming the pilot's concern.

Morgan Durrant, a spokesperson for Delta Air Lines, stressed that the safety of its customers and people is the top priority: “That’s why the flight crew followed procedures to maneuver the aircraft as instructed.”

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The FAA and the NTSB are reportedly investigating this incident, and a preliminary NTSB report is expected to be issued within 30 days.