Jetliner, corporate jet in close call

CHICAGO, July 24 (UPI) -- An American Eagle jetliner came within 325 feet of colliding with a smaller corporate jet at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, authorities say.

It was the 13th incident classified as a near collision at O'Hare since 1992, the National Transportation Safety Board said.

The jetliner, with 42 passengers, was in the process of taking off Monday for Peoria, Ill., while the corporate plane was about to land on an intersecting runway, authorities said Wednesday.

As the jets grew dangerously close, the smaller plane was directed to abort its landing and the pilot of the American Eagle was ordered to stay low as it continued its takeoff, the Chicago Tribune said.

Federal officials blamed an air traffic controller for clearing the American Eagle for takeoff without noticing the Learjet as it approached.