Two American Airlines jets were briefly operating near Phoenix with the identical flight number, American 2482, after a delay led the airline to use a second aircraft. An air traffic controller spotted the unusual situation and distinguished the aircraft as the arrival and departure, ensuring they remained safely separated; the incident highlights the risks duplicate call signs can create.

The delayed Chicago-to-Phoenix flight arrived shortly after a replacement plane left Phoenix on the return leg, placing both aircraft in the same airspace shortly after midnight on Friday. The controller kept the arriving aircraft above the departing one, limited the latter’s climb and ensured both crews saw each other while still miles apart. American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate, although the airline said required separation was maintained throughout.