16-07-2025
Two Chinese Planes Narrowly Avoid Mid-Air Collision Over Siberia
Earlier this month, two Chinese aircraft came perilously close to colliding over Siberia near the Mongolian border, flight data reveals.
An Air China Airbus A350, operating Flight CA967 from Shanghai to Milan, unexpectedly climbed from 10,394 meters to 10,973 meters without clearance, heading directly into the flight path of an SF Airlines cargo Boeing 767 (Flight CSS128) traveling from Budapest to Ezhou.
The planes passed within 90 to 120 meters of each other — well below the global safety minimum of 305 meters — triggering both aircraft's collision avoidance systems (TCAS).
Russian air traffic controllers had instructed nearby aircraft to maintain their altitudes, but it appears the Air China pilot misinterpreted the directive, initiating an unauthorized climb.
Shortly after, the pilots of both flights received urgent TCAS alerts and successfully maneuvered to avoid a catastrophic collision.
Authorities are investigating the incident, highlighting the critical importance of clear communication and strict adherence to air traffic control instructions in maintaining flight safety.
