An El Al Boeing 777-200ER encountered a complex traffic situation during a go-around at New York JFK on 11 October after a report of a dead animal on the runway. Flight LY7, operating from Tel Aviv, was instructed to turn right onto a heading of 130 degrees and climb to 2,000 feet, but subsequent communication difficulties and a delayed turn brought it closer to another aircraft departing the airport. The aircraft later landed safely.
The go-around followed another pilot’s report of what was believed to be a goose on runway 04R. After the initial instruction, the El Al crew asked again for the heading and reported climbing to 4,000 feet instead. Further radio exchanges recorded repeated confusion over the assigned heading, while the controller again instructed the crew to turn right to 130 degrees.
The available accounts, based on a review of air traffic control recordings, describe a documented communication and procedural incident rather than a confirmed near-collision. No separation distance, official Federal Aviation Administration assessment or statement from El Al has been disclosed. After landing, the crew was reportedly given a telephone number for air traffic control, possibly in connection with a pilot deviation, although no formal investigation or enforcement action has been confirmed.