[Scan-DC] Two planes taking off from National put on collision course with plane trying to land

[Blair Thompson]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/two-planes-taking-off-from-national-put-on-collision-course-with-plane-trying-to-land/2012/08/01/gJQAxxPSQX_story.html

Two planes taking off from National put on collision course with plane trying to land

******
By Ashley Halsey III, Published: August 1
The Washington Post 

Three commuter jets came within seconds of a midair collision at Reagan National Airport on Tuesday after confused air traffic controllers launched two outbound flights directly at another plane coming in to land, according to federal officials with direct knowledge of the incident.

The three planes, all operated by US Airways, carried 192 passengers and crew members, the airline said. All of the flights reached their destinations without mishap, but the near-collision was another among several thousand recorded errors by air traffic controllers nationwide in recent years.
....

Hours after being alerted to the incident by The Washington Post, the FAA’s public affairs office issued a statement Wednesday night saying that it is investigating the matter and will take appropriate action to address the miscommunication.
******

It sounds as if Ashley Halsey III or someone in the newsroom at the Post had his police scanner on, tuned to the aviation band, and caught the action.

____________________________________________________________
Woman is 53 But Looks 25
Mom reveals 1 simple wrinkle trick that has angered doctors...
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/501a98bcb89a718bc1e24st01duc