A pilot’s shocking reaction upon realising that he was contacting the wrong air traffic control while landing at LaGuardia Airport has surfaced online. The incident had taken place just a week before Air Canada Express Flight 8646 collided with a Port Authority truck on LaGuardia Airport’s Runway 4, killing two pilots.
Pilot Calls Wrong ATC On Final Approach
The audio obtained by CBS News reveals the confusion and conversation between the pilot and air traffic controller on March 15. Flight 5752, operated by Republic Airways, was close to landing but accidentally contacted the wrong air traffic control tower. Instead of speaking to LaGuardia, the pilot was talking to the tower at John F Kennedy International Airport, which is about 10 miles away.
In the audio, as the pilot tries to communicate his position the confusion becomes clear. The JFK controller sounds confused and asks, “That’s who?…I’m sorry, where are you?” The pilot replies, “2-mile final, Brickyard 5752.” The controller then asks again, “2-mile final where?” The pilot answers, “Runway 4.” The controller, still unsure, asks, “At LaGuardia?” The pilot confirms, “Yes, ma’am.”
The controller then realises the issue and immediately corrects the pilot saying, “This is Kennedy Tower, please go to LaGuardia Tower.” The pilot, realising the mix-up, responds, “Oh my goodness. Alright.” Meanwhile, another pilot who heard the exchange reacted with shock and said, “That’s crazy.”
Here's What Happened Next
After realising the mistake, the flight contacted the correct LaGuardia tower. The pilot then said, “Yeah, 5752, we’re going around,” meaning they decided to circle and try landing again safely. The plane later landed without any problems. Republic Airways confirmed everything ended safely, while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now investigating the incident.