Blocked radio transmission causes close call between planes in San Diego

Investigators have determined that a blocked radio transmission and a distracted air traffic controller were responsible for a close call between a Southwest Airlines jet and a smaller plane in San Diego in June. The controller directed the Southwest pilots to circle around the airport while telling the SkyWest crew to exit the runway, but the transmission to the Southwest plane was likely canceled due to simultaneous communication. The Southwest plane flew 950 feet to the side and 200 feet above the SkyWest plane before landing. The National Transportation Safety Board cited the blocked radio call as the probable cause and noted the controller's distraction as a contributing factor. Another close call in San Diego in August is currently under investigation.