FAA: Error nearly caused collision at O'Hare

An air traffic controller's error nearly caused two planes to collide at O'Hare International Airport Monday morning shortly after Vice President Joe Biden's plane landed at the airport, officials said.

Federal Aviation Administration officials said an air traffic controller cleared a Jetlink flight for takeoff while a SkyWest flight was about to land on an intersecting runway.

The controller then ordered the SkyWest jet to perform a go-around procedure to avoid a possible collision, according to the FAA. The SkyWest plane then passed above and behind the departing Jetlink flight, according to officials.

FAA spokesman Tony Molinaro said Wednesday the FAA will review the event to see if any additional training or procedural changes may be necessary.

The close call occurred just after Biden had landed in Chicago to attend the inauguration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

• Daily Herald news services contributed to this report