The FAA has confirmed it is investigating a conflict between an Allegiant Airlines A320 and a Gulfstream business jet that resulted in unspecified injuries to an Allegiant flight attendant. The Washington Post says the Allegiant crew reacted to a TCAS alert that called for an immediate climb to avoid the Gulfstream. They had just been told to turn to the east by Miami Center and the agency said the turn caused the airliner to pass in front of the business jet at 23,000 feet. The Gulfstream crew also took evasive action in response to the TCAS warning.
The flight attendants were already out of their seats to get ready for the in-flight service when the abrupt climb occurred. Passengers were still belted for takeoff and none of them were hurt. The flight attendant was attended to by colleagues as the flight crew declared an emergency and headed back to Fort Lauderdale. The NTSB has not yet decided whether to investigate the incident.
The FAA issued the following statement: “Allegiant Air Flight 485, an Airbus A320, took evasive action on Sunday, July 23, after the pilot received an automated alert about another aircraft at the same altitude. An air traffic controller in the Miami Air Route Traffic Control Center had instructed Flight 485 to turn eastbound at an altitude of 23,000 feet when it crossed in front of a northbound Gulfstream business jet. The pilot of the Gulfstream also took evasive action after receiving a similar alert. Flight 485 returned to Fort Lauderdale International Airport, where a flight attendant was treated for injuries. The FAA is investigating the incident.”
