A United Airlines flight came within a few hundred feet of a military helicopter near John Wayne Airport in Southern California earlier this week, triggering an alarm directing the airline pilots to change course.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that it is investigating the incident that occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday when a Black Hawk helicopter, returning from a training mission, crossed into the plane’s path. The flight, carrying 162 passengers and six crew members, halted its descent to avert a collision.
This near miss follows an American Airlines jet accident that collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter last year near Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of 67 people, marking the deadliest crash on U.S. soil in over two decades and prompting renewed scrutiny over aviation regulations.
Earlier this month, the FAA revised its policy regarding air traffic controllers, mandating that they actively use radar to guide both helicopters and planes around airports instead of relying solely on pilots’ visual awareness. This change was a direct response to the increasing concerns about the potential for emergencies like the recent incident.
In a statement regarding the occurrence in Santa Ana, California, the FAA confirmed they will investigate to determine whether the new protocols were implemented adequately. United Airlines acknowledged the event, stating that the pilots of flight 589 were alerted by air traffic control about the helicopter's proximity and correctly responded to the alarm by maintaining level flight.
The incident marked a close call; as the aircraft approached, it came within 525 feet vertically and 1,422 feet laterally from the helicopter. Archived recordings from the airport's traffic control tower indicated that controllers were inquiring about the pilot's awareness of the helicopter shortly after the near miss occurred.
On Thursday, the air traffic controller noted the criticality of addressing the situation as it represented a dangerous oversight. Additionally, a spokesperson for the California National Guard confirmed the helicopter was performing routine training at an assigned altitude and in communication with air traffic control during the event.
The FAA’s thorough investigation will seek clarity on whether existing flight path restrictions were in effect at the time; as of now, there have been no announced temporary limitations following the incident.
This incident adds to a string of recent aviation safety issues, including an Air Canada jet that collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport, prompting further calls for improvements and scrutiny in air traffic management and safety standards.
