Several flight crews inbound to Reagan Washington National Airport received onboard alerts indicating another aircraft was nearby.
According to several reports, many aircraft flying into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) over the weekend received Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) warnings that another plane was in the vicinity and possibly on a collision course when no other aircraft were in the area.
Some of the crews executed go-arounds as a result of the alerts. The FAA is investigating why the alerts occurred.”
What is the TCAS warning?
The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), also known as the Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) is an airborne system designed to increase cockpit awareness of nearby aircraft and service as a last defense against mid-air collisions.
TCAS activates the display only in a dangerous situation, such as when another aircraft is close or when a distant aircraft is closing rapidly.
Captain Steeeve listens to the ATC audio and breaks down what happened, explaining the possible causes of false alerts and what pilots do in these situations. Was it a real danger, or just a technical glitch? Watch as we analyze the incident and separate fact from fiction.
