Probable cause
The improper air traffic control takeoff clearance issued by the local controller because of his lack of monitoring and lack of awareness of the conflicting arrival airplane.
NTSB analysis
A near-midair collision occurred when an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet departing from runway 32L passed within close proximity to an Embraer ERJ-135 regional jet on approach to runway 9R. The local controller had cleared the ERJ-145 for takeoff without ensuring that adequate spacing existed between the ERJ-145 and the approaching ERJ-135. The ERJ-135 was instructed to go around, but the two airplanes passed within 125 feet vertically and 350 feet horizontally of each other above runway 32L.
When interviewed, the local controller stated that he had overlooked the arriving airplane during his scan, possibly because he was distracted by coordination requirements affecting two other airplanes.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for OPS11IA819 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 8, 2011
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Chicago, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.