Introduction
On 28 March 2025, a Delta Airlines Airbus A319-100, registration N342NB, operating flight DL-2983 from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington D.C. to Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport (MSP), Minnesota, experienced a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) resolution advisory (RA) shortly after takeoff. The aircraft was climbing through 1,300 feet after departure from runway 19 when the TCAS RA was triggered due to proximity to a formation of four United States Air Force (USAF) T-38 Talon aircraft performing a ceremonial flyover en route to Arlington National Cemetery. The Delta crew responded in accordance with TCAS procedures and continued the flight to MSP, where it landed without further incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the occurrence, which is being classified as a loss of separation event with a minimum vertical distance of 100 feet and lateral distance of 0.7 nautical miles.
Flight Details
• Operator: Delta Air Lines
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A319-100
• Registration: N342NB
• Flight Number: DL-2983
• Route: Washington National (DCA) to Minneapolis-St Paul (MSP)
• Date: 28 March 2025
• Occupants: Not specified (typical configuration up to 132 seats)
Sequence of Events
Takeoff and Initial Climb
At approximately 15:15 local time, DL-2983 was cleared for takeoff from runway 19 at Washington National Airport. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft was handed off to departure control while climbing through approximately 1,300 feet. The crew read back the hand-off; however, within seconds of the frequency change, a TCAS RA was issued.
TCAS Resolution Advisory Activation
The crew later reported to departure control that they had received a TCAS RA involving traffic 500 feet below their aircraft. ADS-B tracking data confirmed that the aircraft was in close proximity to a flight of four USAF T-38 Talons, which were inbound along the Potomac River for a military flyover event at Arlington National Cemetery. The flight path of the Delta aircraft intersected the route of the inbound formation during the climb-out phase, triggering the onboard TCAS system.
Minimum Separation and Avoidance
Recorded flight data and ADS-B telemetry indicated that the minimum separation between the Delta A319 and the nearest T-38 aircraft was approximately 100 feet vertically and 0.7 nautical miles horizontally. The Delta flight crew manoeuvred the aircraft in accordance with the TCAS advisory. No injuries or operational damage occurred.
Post-Incident Operations
DL-2983 continued its climb and proceeded en route to Minneapolis without further incident, landing safely at MSP later that afternoon.
Air Traffic Management and Airspace Context
The airspace surrounding Washington National is highly restricted and complex, due to its proximity to sensitive locations including the Pentagon, the White House, and national monuments. The incident occurred while the USAF formation was following an authorised route along the Potomac River’s eastern bank, a commonly used corridor for ceremonial flyovers.
The proximity of the flyover formation to standard commercial departure paths contributed to the convergence of traffic. Air traffic control issued corrective instructions to both aircraft formations; however, the TCAS RA occurred before verbal separation assurance could be finalised.
FAA Investigation and Safety Review
The FAA has confirmed the occurrence and is conducting a full investigation into the airspace deconfliction procedures, communication protocols, and flight crew response. Preliminary statements confirmed that ATC issued clearance for takeoff while the military formation was inbound.
The investigation will also assess coordination between civilian and military flight operations, including pre-flight NOTAMs, airspace reservations, and controller situational awareness.
Safety Implications
This occurrence underscores the critical role of TCAS in collision avoidance during low-altitude climb-outs in complex airspace. While no contact occurred, the incident reflects a serious breach of minimum separation standards and highlights potential procedural weaknesses in civilian-military coordination within controlled airspace.
Future safety recommendations may include:
• Enhanced ATC briefing and coordination during planned military flyovers
• Temporary airspace restrictions or time-based departure holds during such operations
• Improved pilot and ATC situational awareness during high-density ceremonial events
Conclusion
On 28 March 2025, Delta Airlines flight DL-2983 encountered a TCAS RA shortly after departure from Washington National Airport due to close proximity with a USAF T-38 flyover formation. The crew complied with TCAS instructions, avoided conflict, and continued the flight to Minneapolis safely. The FAA is conducting a formal investigation into the loss of separation and coordination between ATC and military traffic.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 29 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
