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A Delta Air Lines pilot was warned of a reported rocket launcher near New York City's LaGuardia Airport while preparing to land Tuesday night, but authorities quickly determined the report was a hoax.
According to air traffic control audio obtained by CBS News, an anonymous caller falsely claimed a rocket launcher was near the Queens airport.
Air traffic controllers issued precautionary alert
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At about 8:27 p.m., air traffic controllers notified the crew of Delta Flight 2604, which was arriving from Detroit, of a MANPADS alert. MANPADS stands for a man-portable air defense system, a shoulder-fired missile system.
Within minutes, controllers advised the flight crew that the report was unfounded after the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed there was no threat near the airport.
Flight landed safely
Delta Flight 2604, carrying more than 100 people, landed safely at LaGuardia at about 9:07 p.m.
No injuries or disruptions were reported. Authorities determined the initial report was false.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Delta flight receives false rocket launcher alert near LaGuardia Airport
