Another U.S. Air Force Plane Narrowly Avoids Midair Collision Over Venezuela: Report

In a recent incident, an alarming near-miss collision between a United States Air Force plane and a private jet occurred near Venezuela, as reported on Saturday, Dec. 13. This event closely followed another harrowing incident involving a JetBlue passenger jet just the previous day, highlighting the potential dangers that exist in the crowded skies above us.

According to reports, radio transmissions obtained from LiveATC.net and reviewed by CNN captured the tense moments as the pilots of a private Falcon 900EX business jet, en route from Aruba to Miami near the Dutch island of Curaçao, narrowly avoided a U.S. Air Force refueling tanker. The pilots described how close the encounter was, with one pilot expressing, “We were climbing right into him… It was big, maybe a 777 or a (767).”

The incident involving the U.S. Air Force plane and the private jet added to concerns raised the day before when a JetBlue pilot had to take evasive action to avoid a mid-air collision with a military aircraft. The JetBlue flight, headed to New York City, had to halt its ascent as the military plane crossed into its flight path. The pilot reported the unsettling incident to air traffic control, raising alarm about the lack of transponder signal from the military aircraft.

In response to these incidents, both JetBlue and the Pentagon have indicated their intention to participate in investigations into the near-misses. JetBlue confirmed that the incident was reported to federal authorities, demonstrating their commitment to safety and adherence to proper flight protocols.

This series of close calls in the airspace near Venezuela have led to heightened awareness and caution among airlines and aviation authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration had previously issued a warning to carriers to exercise caution when operating in Venezuelan airspace due to escalating security concerns and increased military activities, emphasizing the potential risks to aircraft at various stages of flight.

The implications of these incidents on air traffic safety and the necessity for enhanced communication and coordination between civilian and military operations are likely to be scrutinized in the coming days. With the skies becoming more congested and potential risks increasing, ensuring the safety of all aircraft and passengers should remain a top priority for all parties involved in the aviation industry.

As investigations into these near-miss events continue, the need for transparency, accountability, and proactive measures to prevent such incidents from reoccurring will undoubtedly be at the forefront of discussions within the aviation community. The outcome of these inquiries will be crucial in determining the necessary steps to enhance safety protocols and avert potential disasters in the future.

In conclusion, the recent incidents involving close encounters between commercial and military aircraft over Venezuelan airspace serve as stark reminders of the vigilance and cooperation required to ensure the safety of all flights. These events underscore the critical importance of effective communication, adherence to established protocols, and continuous monitoring of airspace to prevent catastrophic collisions and uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and security.