January 18, 2012 Mississippi – On Wednesday United States safety investigators cited air traffic controller error regarding a mid-air near collision of a small plane and commuter jet that happened last year in Mississippi.

The air traffic controller how has not be identified was originally suspend and certified after the incident; however, the controller has since been back to work.

The safety board stated in documents that the air traffic controller had a history of “professional deficiencies” which included non-compliance regarding standardized checklist procedures.

The incident involved an ExpressJet flight (53 people on board) and a single engine Cessna. The two planes nearly collided as they passed each other with roughly 300 feet between them. The incident took place of the Gulfport Biloxi airport.

The two planes took off at nearly identical times after receiving clearance from the airport control tower. The captain of the commuter aircraft said “Wow, that was close”, according to his co-pilot.

The National Air Traffic Controller Association (the air traffic controllers union) had no comments other than to say they take reports like this “…very seriously.”

Air traffic controller errors have roughly doubled in between the years of 2008 to 2011 according to the Government Accountability Officer (GAO). However, the GAO also stated that this increase may be due to the fact that all incidents weren’t being reported in prior years because of concerns of disciplinary action; though in recent years the FAA has changed its policies (to reduce fear of disciplinary actions) to encourage the reporting of errors.

With all the flights that safely take-off and land, these incidents seem to be very far and few between.

How do you feel about flying in regards to safety? We would love to hear from you!