FAA Looks into Near Miss Between United Plane and Military Helicopter at John Wayne Airport
Close Call Between United Airlines Jet and Military Helicopter Under Investigation
SANTA ANA, Calif. — Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials are investigating a near-miss incident involving a United Airlines jet and a military helicopter at John Wayne Airport on Tuesday evening.
United Airlines Flight 589 was nearing the airport when a Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter crossed its flight path around 8:40 p.m., according to FAA spokesperson Ian Gregor. The flight crew received a collision warning and promptly leveled the aircraft to avoid a potential accident, successfully landing with 168 passengers onboard.
This incident has raised concerns within the aviation industry regarding the blending of commercial airline and helicopter operations near airports. Gregor indicated that one focus of the investigation will be whether recent measures suspending the use of visual separation between airplanes and helicopters were in effect at the time.
Audio from air traffic control, obtained by CBS News, confirmed that the United flight’s pilot received a "resolution advisory" alert concerning the nearby helicopter. Following the close call, United Airlines acknowledged the crew’s actions in a statement, emphasizing their prompt response to the alert.
The industry’s apprehension regarding helicopter traffic has intensified in the wake of a tragic mid-air collision in January 2025 between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which resulted in 67 fatalities. At a hearing regarding that incident, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy noted that airline officials had expressed concerns about helicopter operations, particularly at areas like Hollywood Burbank Airport.
The FAA’s ongoing investigation will be vital in shaping future protocols to ensure the safety of both commercial airline and military helicopter traffic in the skies above populated areas.
