Duplicate Call Signs Create Safety Risk as Two 5383s Share ATC Frequency

Aviation professionals are analyzing a radio communication incident involving two aircraft using the same flight number on the same frequency. The incident, highlighted in a viral analysis by pilot content creator Captain Steeeve, shows controllers dealing with two 5383s on frequency — a duplicate call sign situation that creates critical safety hazards known as call sign confusion.

Captain Steeeve, an airline pilot and aviation safety commentator, used the incident to emphasize the importance of radio discipline. His analysis notes that while pilots must follow strict readback and hearback protocols, the systemic issue of duplicate identifiers requires constant vigilance. Such confusion often arises from codeshare arrangements or regional carriers operating similar numerical flight numbers within overlapping airspace sectors.

Regulatory bodies including ICAO and the FAA maintain policies requiring call signs to be distinct and unambiguous to prevent such errors. While no formal investigation has been filed for this specific event, the incident serves as a case study for operational safety as aviation authorities continue employing de-confliction tools to ensure unique identifiers during high-traffic periods.