Air Traffic Controller Said ‘That Was Not Good’ After Near-Miss Between Military Helicopter and Plane with 168 People on Board

On 24 March, a United Airlines flight narrowly avoided a potentially disastrous collision with a military helicopter at John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California. The incident reportedly unfolded around 8:40 p.m. local time and has raised significant concerns regarding air traffic safety.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the military helicopter, identified as a Sikorsky Black Hawk, crossed in front of the United Airlines aircraft during its landing approach. An audio recording from air traffic control, reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, revealed that the pilot of the United flight received instructions to either ascend or descend to prevent a mid-air collision with the helicopter.

In the aftermath, an air traffic controller commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, “We’re going to be addressing that, because that was not good.” This highlights the seriousness of the near miss, which involved an aircraft carrying 162 passengers and six crew members at the time.

United Airlines confirmed that the flight, designated as Flight 589, was alerted to the presence of the military helicopter while approaching the airport. The airline stated that the pilots observed the helicopter and received a traffic alert, which prompted them to level off the aircraft. Fortunately, the United Airlines flight executed a safe landing shortly thereafter.

Live flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that at the peak moment of concern, the two aircraft were reported to be approximately 1,422 feet apart horizontally and 525 feet vertically. These close proximity figures emphasise the potential danger that could have ensued had the pilots not promptly adjusted their flight path.

The California National Guard elaborated on the situation, explaining that the Black Hawk helicopter was engaged in a routine training mission at the time of the incident. Officials stated that the helicopter was operating along an established Visual Flight Rules (VFR) route and was in communication with air traffic control. A thorough review of the incident is set to take place in coordination with relevant agencies.

This incident occurs amidst heightened scrutiny regarding air traffic safety, particularly as it comes only a year and a half after a tragic mid-air collision between an American Airlines regional plane and another Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, which resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals. Moreover, just days prior, an Air Canada flight collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, raising further alarm among aviation safety experts.

Following the incident in D.C., the FAA temporarily suspended the use of visual separation between helicopters and airplanes operating near busy airports. The move was indicative of an urgent response to the emerging risks of air traffic collisions, and underscores the FAA’s commitment to ensure the safety of air travel.

As authorities investigate the recent near miss, it serves as a reminder of the vital importance of vigilance and communication in air traffic management. The aviation community is urged to scrutinise operational protocols and ensure that safety measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The United Airlines flight’s safe landing following this alarming brush with a military helicopter may bring some reassurance to the travelling public, but it also calls attention to the need for ongoing evaluation of air traffic practices to safeguard against any potential dangers in the skies.