DOT chief Sean Duffy 'concerned' about aviation near-misses
Share and Follow


() In light of a spate of recent aviation near-misses, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told , “Of course I am concerned. The FAA is concerned. The American people are concerned.”

Duffy told he and his agency are “leaning into” the incidents and looking for solutions: “What is key, we are not ignoring it.”

The pilot of a SkyWest flight heading from Minneapolis to Minot, North Dakota, avoided a midair collision with a B-52 bomber by performing an “aggressive maneuver” on July 18 one week before a Southwest Airlines flight plunged shortly after takeoff when it was alerted of a nearby plane.

Duffy said it is important to approach each incident individually.

“Was it something about air traffic control? Was it military? Was it civilian aircraft? Were there technology failures?” Duffy said. “We have to do that investigation on each of them to figure out what the problem was, to then craft the right solution.”

Data from the Federal Aviation Agency shows there have been at least 134 commercial airplane incidents so far this year, with at least seven categorized as near-misses.

“We are actually looking at it and figuring out how we navigate our airspace and make it safer because, again, near misses one day can lead to a devastating crash the next,” Duffy told .

Solutions could come in the form of enhanced tech, Duffy said. By using artificial intelligence and Department of Transportation team members to assess airports across the nation, Duffy hopes to spot “critical issues” before they result in a crash.

“I do not want to have another DCA on my hands under this administration,” Duffy added, referencing the fatal midair collision in January at Reagan National Airport that left 67 people dead.

On Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board will begin three days of hearings over that crash between an American Airlines regional jet and a military helicopter.

The investigative hearings, which come six months after the crash, aim to “determine the facts and circumstances” of the incident, according to the agency.

“I am looking forward to the hearing tomorrow, and I think hearings to bring out evidence and information and give the Congress knowledge is critically important,” Duffy told .

‘s Anna Kutz contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Megyn Kelly sparks anger as she defends Epstein's 'barely legal type'

Megyn Kelly Faces Backlash After Comments on Epstein’s Preferences

Megyn Kelly has found herself at the center of controversy following remarks…
'An ideal end game': Fernandina Beach mayor eyes return of Peg Leg Pete to old spot after repair

Fernandina Beach Mayor Plans Historic Revival: Peg Leg Pete Set to Return After Restoration

The mayor has launched an initiative aimed at rejuvenating Peg Leg Pete,…
Islam Makhachev, Zhang Weili seek spots in exclusive club at UFC 322

Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili Aim for Elite Recognition at UFC 322

Although Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili no longer officially hold titles in…
FILE - Alina Habba speaks after being sworn in as interim US Attorney General for New Jersey, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on March 28, 2025. (Pool File via AP, file)

New Jersey Resident Arrested by FBI for Vandalizing Federal Prosecutor Alina Habba’s Office

A man has been taken into custody after federal authorities accused him…
Josh Hart delivers histpric Knicks performance in win

Josh Hart Shines with Historic Performance, Leading Knicks to Victory

Just two days ago, Josh Hart found himself sidelined for the entire…
Former Zelenskyy associate accused in $100 million embezzlement scheme

Ex-Zelenskyy Associate Allegedly Involved in $100 Million Embezzlement Scandal

A former colleague of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been implicated as…
Costco early shopping perk takes effect Monday. Here's what to know.

Unmasking the Truth: Costco Hit with Lawsuit Over Alleged Kirkland Tequila Deception

A recent class-action lawsuit has been filed against Costco Wholesale Corporation, accusing…
Mike Brown defends controversial Jalen Brunson decision

Mike Brown Stands Firm on Bold Jalen Brunson Choice Amid Controversy

In a recent reflection on coaching strategies, Mike Brown’s perspective on utilizing…