Private and Commercial Aircraft Narrowly Avoid Collision at Newark Airport

On 8 August 2025, United Airlines flight UA3930, a Boeing 737-900, was approaching Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) when it narrowly avoided a collision with a privately operated Piper Cherokee Arrow III (PA28R).

During the incident, the United crew received a TCAS Resolution Advisory (RA) and had to make an immediate evasive manoeuvre. According to the United pilots, the aircraft came within approximately 200 feet (60 metres) of each other, while radar data indicated a vertical separation of around 500 feet (150 metres).

Radar and ATC records show that United 3930 had been instructed to maintain 5,000 feet on approach to Newark. Meanwhile, the Piper Cherokee was operating under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and descending to 4,500 feet in the same airspace. After the TCAS alert, the pilots executed a rapid climb and course change, while ATC issued various heading and altitude instructions to separate the aircraft safely. United 3930 was eventually descended to 2,500 feet and landed safely on Runway 22L.

After landing, the United captain reported to the tower that they had reacted instantly to avoid the incident and that the aircraft had come close to each other about 10 miles west at 4,000 feet.

The FAA classified the occurrence as a loss of separation incident and launched an investigation into radar data, pilot statements, and ATC records. Commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737-900 are equipped with TCAS, which automatically issues climb or descent commands when another aircraft breaches safe separation limits. General aviation aircraft, such as the Piper Cherokee, may not be equipped with equivalent systems.