Casualties unknown

Near Collision During Multiple Takeoff Clearances at Airport (N142AA)

Chicago, IL, US

On December 23, 1991, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10-30 (registration N142AA) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOCAL CONTROLLER'S NOT UNDERSTANDING READ BACK OF RADIO COMMUNICATIONS. FACTORS INCLUDE THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND OF FLIGHT 73 NOT UNDERSTANDING VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS; LOCAL CONTROLLER NOT VISUALLY IDENTIFYING THE AIRCRAFT; AND INADEQUATE SURVEILLANCE (FAA) IN… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Three American Airlines flights were involved in a near collision when two aircraft initiated takeoff rolls while a third was cleared for takeoff on an intersecting runway.

Incident Overview

A near collision occurred at an airport involving three American Airlines flights: Flight 73 (registration N142AA), Flight 489 (registration N497AA), and Flight 873. The incident took place during a sequence of takeoff clearances issued by local air traffic control.

Sequence of Events

Flight 73 was holding in position on Runway 32R. Flight 489 was cleared for takeoff on Runway 9L. Shortly thereafter, Flight 873 was cleared for takeoff on Runway 32L from the T1 intersection. Both Flight 73 and Flight 873 acknowledged their respective clearances and initiated takeoff rolls. The local controller did not detect the confusion between the clearances.

A near collision occurred when Flight 489, in the initial climb phase of flight, passed over Flight 73, which was still in its takeoff roll. The aircraft converged at the intersection of Runways 32R and 9L.

Aftermath

The investigation report noted that neither flight crew nor the controller detected the potential conflict in time to prevent the loss of separation. No further details regarding injuries or damage were provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.