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It’s a little too perfect, isn’t it? Alabama’s flight after their loss to Tennessee, call-sign: Delta 2417—an FAA-given call sign that just happens to match the Vols’ winning score: 24-17. You can’t make this stuff up! What follows is a transcript of Alabama’s “Delta 2417” communicating with air traffic control (ATC) and other planes on their return flight. Let’s just say, some airline personnel had some fun with this one…

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ATC Chatter: Delta 2417’s Rough Ride Home

Knoxville Tower:
“Delta 2417, you are cleared for takeoff, but be advised, there’s a lot of turbulence in the area—just to the North, near Neyland.”

Delta 2417 Pilot:
“Roger that, . We’ll do our best to avoid any more unexpected hits… like the one we took tonight.”

United 2023 Pilot (overhearing):
“Delta 2417, I hope you got enough tissues for all those Bama players back there!”

Delta 2417 Pilot:
“Sigh…noted, United. I think we’re stocked up. Any other advice, or just taking cheap shots today?”

Atlanta Center:
“Delta 2417, Cleared to climb and maintain FL (Flight level) 240. Wouldn’t want you to sink too low… unless you’re planning to match that low score on the ground!”

Delta 2417 Pilot:
“Understood, Center . Climb and maintain FL240”

Spirit Airlines 770 Pilot (jumps in):
“Delta 2417, any chance you’re aware that Dixieland Delight is a song about Tennessee?”

Delta 2417 Pilot (gritting teeth):
“Negative, Spirit. We’ll stick to the original—no need for salt in the wound.”

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Conclusion: When the Score Haunts the Flight

You have to feel a little sympathy for Alabama’s Delta 2417—doomed to fly under Tennessee’s winning score for about an hour. But hey, if you’re an Alabama fan, you might consider this flight radar coincidence the ultimate lesson in humility. Or maybe it’s just motivation to get a new FAA call sign next season.