Air traffic controllers warned the Detroit-New York flight of a possible MANPAD threat before Port Authority police determined the anonymous tip was not credible.
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According to The New York Post, a Delta Air Lines flight approaching New York's LaGuardia Airport received an alarming warning about a possible "rocket launcher" threat moments before landing on Tuesday night, before authorities determined the alert was a hoax.
Delta Flight 2604, travelling from Detroit to LaGuardia, was on final approach at around 8.27 pm local time when air traffic controllers issued a MANPAD alert, instructing the crew to exercise "extreme caution."
Pilot asked what MANPAD meant
According to audio transmissions obtained by CBS News, the controller told the aircraft: "MANPAD alert issued at LaGuardia Airport. Use extreme caution."
The pilot then asked the tower to explain the term "MANPAD." The controller responded that it referred to a "man-portable air defense system" and added, "Basically, it was a report of a rocket launcher."
The warning was prompted by an anonymous tip received by authorities.
Threat ruled non-credible within minutes
Less than a minute after the alert was issued, air traffic controllers informed the crew that the threat had been investigated and was not credible.
"No need to respond, Delta 2604. Port Authority police reported it was a non-credible threat," the controller told the pilot.
The aircraft landed safely at LaGuardia without incident, and no injuries or operational disruptions were reported.
Authorities investigating anonymous tip
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Port Authority did not identify the person who made the anonymous report or disclose a possible motive. Officials said all security threats are treated seriously until they are investigated.
MANPAD alerts are rare at US commercial airports because they involve the possibility of shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile systems, prompting immediate precautionary measures.
Earlier LaGuardia radio mix-up
The incident comes months after another unusual aviation event involving LaGuardia.
In March, Delta Connection Flight 5752, operated by Republic Airways, mistakenly contacted John F. Kennedy International Airport's control tower while on approach to LaGuardia.
After the communication error was identified, the crew carried out a go-around before landing safely about 25 minutes later. The incident was later investigated.
