FAA Investigating Close Call Between Plane and Helicopter in California

Incident occurred near John Wayne Airport as military helicopter crossed into passenger flight's path.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:18am

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The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a close call between a United Airlines passenger flight and a military Black Hawk helicopter near John Wayne Airport in Southern California earlier this week. The pilots of the passenger plane carrying 162 passengers and 6 crew members stopped their descent and leveled off to avoid a collision after the helicopter crossed into the plane's path.

Why it matters

This incident comes just over a year after a deadly crash between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people, leading to increased scrutiny of flight paths and regulations to avoid near misses between aircraft.

The details

The close call happened around 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday when the military Black Hawk helicopter, returning from a training mission, crossed into the path of the United Airlines flight. The pilots of the passenger plane took evasive action, stopping their descent and leveling off to avoid a collision.

  • The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2026.
  • The FAA announced it is investigating the close call on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The players

United Airlines

The airline operating the passenger flight involved in the near-miss incident.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, which is investigating the close call.

Black Hawk Helicopter

The military helicopter operated by the U.S. armed forces that crossed into the passenger flight's path, triggering the near-miss incident.

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What’s next

The FAA has stated it is investigating the incident to determine the cause and whether any changes to flight regulations or procedures are needed to prevent similar close calls in the future.

The takeaway

This near-miss highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safe coexistence of military and civilian air traffic, especially around busy airports. The FAA's investigation will likely lead to updated policies and protocols to enhance aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.