One jetliner narrowly misses another at NC airport

CHARLOTTE — Authorities say two airplanes avoided a collision at a North Carolina airport when a jetliner that was landing pulled up to avoid a plane on the runway.

The Charlotte Observer reported that the America West Airlines Airbus A321 aborted a landing and circled for another try Sunday at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport.

FAA spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen in Atlanta said the procedure isn’t uncommon. She said quick reaction by air traffic controllers and the pilots kept passengers out of danger.

Bergen also said the “go-round” procedure probably happens once or twice a day at the airport.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)