FAA Investigates Near-Miss Incident Involving Helicopter and Commercial Airliner

A California National Guard UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crossed in front of a United Airlines Boeing 737-800 on final approach to Santa Ana’s John Wayne Airport on March 25, 2026, prompting a Traffic Collision Avoidance System Resolution Advisory. The incident occurred at an altitude of 1,425 feet and was resolved after the pilots leveled off to increase vertical separation. The FAA has opened a formal investigation into the incident. AeroTime reports that the incident occurred amid a broader push for aviation safety, following a fatal mid-air collision in January 2025 and a recent review of helicopter-airliner conflict management across US airspace. The US House committees have passed sweeping aviation safety reform legislation addressing separation standards between helicopters and airliners.