Thread by @davidenrich

Major new @nytimes investigation: Close calls involving US airlines are occurring far more frequently than has been made public, with multiple dangerous incidents happening every week on average this year. @melbournecoal @emilysteel nytimes.com/interactive/20…

We obtained a trove of internal @FAANews records that detail dozens of near misses and other significant incidents, involving all major US airlines, that have not been publicly disclosed. This is on top of a spate of headline-grabbing close calls earlier this year.

Examples:

@FAANews We analyzed FAA data – some of it public, some obtained via FOIA – that shows that virtually all US air traffic control facilities are understaffed. Staffing shortages have played a key role in a number of previously unreported close calls this year. nytimes.com/interactive/20…

@FAANews We talked to dozens of air traffic controllers, who said they are stretched to the breaking point. Many controllers and pilots have submitted confidential warnings to the FAA and other agencies voicing mounting alarm. nytimes.com/interactive/20…

The story includes detailed animations of three of the 46 close calls that took place with commercial airlines in July alone.

Incidents feature @AmericanAir, @united, @Delta, @SouthwestAir, @FlyFrontier and others (Graphics by @LeanneFaybraham et al) nytimes.com/interactive/20…

@AmericanAir @united @Delta @SouthwestAir @FlyFrontier @LeanneFaybraham One big problem cited by air traffic controllers is that they are physically and mentally exhausted — in part because of schedules like this. ⤵️⤵️

Some say they fear that seeking mental health care could jeopardize their jobs. Instead they self-medicate. nytimes.com/interactive/20…

If you work in aviation and have concerns about safety, we would love to hear from you. Contact @emilysteel @melbournecoal here >> nytimes.com/2023/08/21/bus…