SerpApi.Org
A Delta Air Lines pilot preparing to land at LaGuardia Airport Tuesday night was met with a harrowing mid-air alert — watch out for a potential rocket launcher attack.
Air traffic controllers issued a MANPAD (man-portable air defense system) warning at 8:27 p.m., ordering Delta flight 2604, which was bound for LGA from Detroit, to remain on the lookout.
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“MANPAD alert issued at LaGuardia Airport at 0027. Use extreme caution,” an air traffic controller said, according to a recording of the audio transmissions obtained by CBS News.
The anonymous tip, which was later deemed a hoax by Port Authority police, spooked and baffled the pilot who received the transmission from LaGuardia’s control tower as he was preparing to land.
When the pilot asked the controller to explain what a MANPAD is, the tower explained it stands for “a manned portable air defense system.”
“Basically, it was a report of a rocket launcher,” the controller added.
However, air traffic controllers dismissed the threat within a minute of the warning being issued.
“No need to respond, Delta 2604,” the controller said to the pilot. “Port Authority police reported it was a non-credible threat.”
The Delta flight landed safely without incident.
