Incident Overview
During a climb through 6,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) within an Airport Radar Service Area (ARSA), the flight crew of an American Airlines (AAL) McDonnell Douglas DC-9-82 observed a small aircraft approaching their aircraft from directly ahead. The small aircraft was at the same altitude and approximately one-quarter mile ahead of the DC-9-82's position.
Avoidance Maneuver
The small aircraft was not communicating with air traffic control (ATC) and continued on its collision course toward the transport aircraft. In response, the DC-9-82 crew initiated a right climbing turn away from the small aircraft. The crew estimated that the small aircraft passed approximately 50 feet below and to the left of their aircraft during the avoidance maneuver.
Communications
The source indicates that the small aircraft was not in communication with ATC at the time of the incident. No further details regarding radio communications or ATC involvement were provided.