Two passenger jets departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) were forced to take evasive action moments after takeoff last Friday (31 October) to avoid a potential midair collision.
The incident involved ITA Airways flight AZ621 to Rome FCO (Airbus A330-900 reg. EI-HJO) and American Airlines flight AA4 to New York JFK (Airbus A321 reg. N107NN). According to eyewitness Kevin Ray, who livestreams airport operations on his Airline Videos Live channel, the ITA aircraft made an unexpected left turn over Dockweiler Beach, crossing the path of the departing American Airlines jet — a move described as “highly unusual” without prior air traffic control clearance.
Controllers at LAX immediately intervened, ordering the ITA pilot to correct course and instructing the American jet to alter its path to avoid danger. Once clear, controllers queried the ITA crew about the deviation; the pilot simply responded, “Sorry.”
One controller later told the American flight crew: “Traffic off the north side just turned to the south on their own, right in front of you guys.” The American pilot thanked the tower for their swift action.
American Airlines confirmed the event, stating that its 90 passengers and seven crew members continued safely to New York’s JFK Airport. The carrier thanked both its crew and air traffic controllers for their professionalism.
ITA Airways acknowledged the incident and said it is conducting an internal review in line with regulatory procedures, noting that the flight “operated regularly” and landed ahead of schedule in Rome.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet issued details about the near miss, citing the ongoing government shutdown.