FAA investigating close call between United Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter in California

Key Points:

• The FAA is investigating an incident at John Wayne Airport where a US Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crossed in front of a United Airlines passenger jet, triggering a collision avoidance alarm during the jet's landing approach.
• The two aircraft were separated by 525 feet vertically and 1,422 feet laterally at their closest point, and the United Airlines pilots were advised by air traffic control to watch for the military helicopter nearby.
• The California National Guard stated the helicopter was on a routine training mission, flying under Visual Flight Rules and in communication with air traffic control, with a thorough review planned in coordination with relevant agencies.
• This incident follows previous serious helicopter-related safety concerns, including a fatal 2025 collision involving a Black Hawk and a regional jet, prompting the FAA to require radar tracking of helicopters near busy airport flight paths instead of relying solely on pilots' visual separation.
• Recent FAA orders aim to enhance air traffic control oversight of helicopters in critical airspace after multiple close calls, including a near-miss at Hollywood Burbank Airport earlier this month.