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FAA Investigates Close Call Between Black Hawk and 737

March 27, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

A UH-60M Black Hawk crossed in front of a United 737-800 on approach.
The incident triggered a TCAS RA, prompting the 737 to level off.
The FAA has opened a formal investigation into the incident.
The incident occurred on March 25, 2026, at John Wayne Airport.

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Strategic Implications

This incident may indicate ongoing challenges in managing helicopter-airliner conflicts, which could lead to a reevaluation of air traffic control procedures. The FAA's investigation suggests a focus on ensuring the effectiveness of its recently introduced policy on visual separation, which may have broader implications for US airspace safety.

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What Happened

Near Miss Over California Prompts Probe Into Air Traffic Control

A close call between a California National Guard UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 on approach to John Wayne Airport has prompted an FAA investigation. The incident occurred on March 25, 2026, when the Black Hawk crossed in front of the 737-800, triggering a TCAS RA and prompting the pilots to level off. The flight landed safely, but the incident has raised concerns about air traffic control procedures and the management of helicopter-airliner conflicts. The FAA is examining whether its recently introduced policy on visual separation was properly applied, as reported by AeroTime.

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