The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday stated that it is investigating a close call involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a United Airlines in California earlier this week. The near-miss incident occurred on March 24, when a United Airlines Flight 589 almost collided with a California National Guard Black Hawk helicopter while approaching John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana.

The fully packed United Airlines Flight was initially on approach to the airport around 8:40 on Tuesday, when a California National Guard Black Hawk helicopter crossed in front of the plane. According to Flightradar24 report, the two aircraft were only 525 feet apart vertically. The plane with 162 passengers and six crew members aboard, had departed from San Francisco. The air traffic control had advised it to watch a military helicopter flying near the airport.

ALSO READ: 'Mom Would Never': Dad’s Ultimate Hack To Survive Flight With Toddler Amuses Netizens | Watch Video

How Was The Crash Averted?

According to USA Today report, citing the California National Guard, the helicopter was returning to Los Alamitos after a routine training mission. It was also coordinating with ATC during the flight. The collision was prevented after the pilots levelled the aircraft after seeing the helicopter and receiving an alert from the cockpit. In an audio recorded by LiveATC.net, an air traffic controller said, “We’re gonna be addressing that, because that was not good."

FAA Investigation Underway

The FAA said that it would investigate whether the incident violated a new measure, which suspends the use of visual separation between airplanes and helicopters. The newly introduced rule requires radar‑based separation of helicopters and airplanes at busy airports. The measure was aimed at enhancing safety in areas where helicopters often cross both arrival and departure paths near airports.

ALSO READ: Air India's London-Bound Flight Returns To Delhi After Being Airborne For 7 Hours, Second Technical Snag In 2 Weeks

 


Also In News