Air France A350 causes loss of separation with American Airlines A321 after unexpected turn at LAX

An Air France Airbus A350-900 and an American Airlines Airbus A321 were involved in a loss of separation shortly after departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on 7 November. Air traffic controllers intervened urgently after the two aircraft came into close proximity during their initial climb.

Air France flight AF028, operated by Airbus A350-900 registered F-HUVK, departed runway 24L at approximately 00:15 local time, bound for Papeete, French Polynesia. About one minute later, American Airlines flight AA1660, an Airbus A321-200 registered N191UW, departed parallel runway 25R for Dallas/Fort Worth.

According to recorded air traffic control communications, the Air France aircraft unexpectedly turned left towards the departure path of the American Airlines aircraft. The controller immediately instructed the Air France crew to fly heading 270, while American Airlines was warned of traffic at its 12 o’clock position, less than one mile away, and instructed to maintain 2,000 feet.

Flight-tracking data published by Wingbits suggested that the aircraft came within approximately 300 feet (91 metres) vertically of each other, although other reports estimated around 400 feet (122 metres). The precise closest separation has not been officially established.

Following the incident, the controller questioned the Air France crew about the unexpected manoeuvre. The pilots confirmed they had been instructed to follow the SUMMR2 departure procedure. The controller subsequently referred to a possible pilot deviation and provided the crew with a telephone number to call.

Both aircraft continued their flights safely. Air France subsequently confirmed that its crew had received instructions from air traffic control to adjust their trajectory and had immediately complied.