Near-Miss Between TWA Flight 806 and Continental Flight 122 (N820NY)

Incident Overview and Context TWA Flight 806 and Continental Flight 122, both operating DC-9 aircraft, were in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while being vectored by a single final approach radar controller. The controller was managing two sectors and 23 aircraft at the time. TWA Flight 806 was northwest of the airport, while Continental Flight 122 was southwest, both on approach for the ILS runway 9 approach. ## Sequence of Events As Continental Flight 122 approached the localizer on a heading of 060 degrees at 3,000 feet MSL, TWA Flight 806 was approximately 8 miles northwest of Flight 122 and was cleared to intercept the localizer. The controller transmitted to Flight 122: “Four from the marker, maintain 2000 until established on the LOC, cleared ILS RWY 9 approach, and are you going through the LOC too?” Flight 122 replied, “Yes sir, you never told us to intercept.” The controller then instructed Flight 122 to “maintain 3500 and turn left 360,” intending a heading of 360 degrees. Flight 122 interpreted this as a 360-degree circling turn and began a right turn. While circling, Flight 122 requested a heading to roll out on, and the controller instructed them to fly heading 230. ## Resolution and Separation The controller then realized the two aircraft were converging. He instructed Flight 122 to descend to 2,000 feet and transmitted to “Continental 806” to maintain 3,500 feet. Because the controller used the wrong company designator, TWA Flight 806 did not respond. Radar data showed the two aircraft passed at approximately 3,100 feet with a separation of 0.079 miles.