How often does this happen, and does the NTSB know? I know this wasn't the case here, but boy, thank goodness for that.
You have personally been on a parallel approach at KSFO and question if the NTSB knows?
No conspiracy here...
Paralell approaches have been standard operating procedure at KSFO for 10+ years. As 28L/R centerlines are in very close proximity to eachother, a PRM (precision runway monitor), think of it as a high speed radar (not as fast as the new one being installed) and using OSIA (Offset Simultaneous Instrument Arrival) procedures, aircraft are cleared for the 28L and R ILS approaches while required to maintain separation visually from the aircraft ahead on the parallel approach.
The PRM will warn ATC and ATC will issue an immediate instruction for the offending aircraft to safely abandon the approach.
The most likely reason it wasnt being used on the day, is that it requires both GS and LOC to be available for both runways. And as we all know, the GS for 28L/R have been out for over a month now due to the new displaced thresholds and the associated new GS antenna being installed.
When all is said and done (still scheduled to be Aug. 22nd) then the guys at Asiana will once again be happy campers. One push of APP, and the beloved 'LAND3' on the FMA will once again be displayed.