FAA Investigates Near Miss on American Airlines Flight

An American Airlines flight departing from Honolulu, Flight 298, narrowly avoided a collision with mountainous terrain after pilots failed to make an assigned turn shortly after takeoff. Air traffic controllers ordered an expedited climb to ensure the aircraft remained above the mountains, successfully averting disaster. The FAA is currently investigating the incident, which occurred around 1 a.m. local time, highlighting ongoing concerns about aviation safety, particularly at American Airlines. Despite the close call, American Airlines stated that the Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) did not alert the crew, indicating no issues with terrain clearance. Passengers reportedly remained unaware of the danger during the flight, which landed safely in Los Angeles about five hours later. The incident raises questions about pilot vigilance and safety protocols in aviation.