FAA Launches Probe After Near-Miss Incident at Boston Logan International Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened a formal FAA investigation near-miss incident at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The event involved a large commercial jet and a smaller regional aircraft. This runway incursion incident required a last-minute maneuver to prevent a collision.

Preliminary reports suggest the incident was a loss of separation event. This is defined as two aircraft coming closer than the minimum distance allowed. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 16, 2026, on an intersecting runway configuration at the airport. The investigation is focusing on a potential air traffic control error (ATC) as the primary cause.

Key Details of the Near-Miss

The aircraft involved were a Delta Air Lines flight (Airbus A330-900neo) on final approach and a Cape Air Cessna 402C cleared for takeoff. The Delta crew, carrying nearly 300 passengers and crew, was instructed to perform a standard “go-around.” This is a safety maneuver where a pilot aborts the landing and climbs away. Audio recordings from the cockpit and tower reportedly captured one pilot stating, "That was close."

An air traffic control error is classified by the FAA as an “Operational Error” (OE). This occurs when a controller fails to maintain the required separation minima between aircraft. The FAA is reviewing all radar data, communication logs, and controller procedures. This process is standard for any serious safety event within the National Airspace System.

Context and Industry Impact

This incident at Boston Logan International Airport highlights ongoing concerns about airport surface safety. The FAA has recently focused on reducing runway incursions across the United States. In 2024, the FAA recorded 1,474 total runway incursions in the U.S., a 17% decrease from the previous year.

However, a significant number of these events remain serious. Between 2021 and 2024, Boston Logan was one of eight U.S. airports that accounted for nearly one-third of the nation's most serious incursions (Category A or B). These categories represent events where a collision was narrowly avoided or had a high potential to occur. In the 12 months ending May 31, 2024, 183 incidents were classified as “Operational Incidents,” directly linked to controller actions.

Regulatory Response and Safety Focus

The commercial aviation safety community views these near-misses as critical learning opportunities. The FAA has been implementing new technologies and procedures to reduce risk. These efforts include improved surface detection systems and updated training for air traffic control specialists. The agency's goal is to eliminate high-risk runway incursions entirely.

• The FAA investigation will determine if standard operating procedures were followed.
• Controller errors are a major focus in high-risk events, according to FAA data.
• The successful go-around by the Airbus A330-900neo crew demonstrates the effectiveness of pilot training.
• The outcome of the probe could lead to new directives for air traffic management at BOS and other major hubs with complex runway layouts.

Delta Air Lines confirmed that the crew followed all established procedures. The aircraft landed safely on its second approach. The safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority for all parties involved.

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