FAA probes near-miss between helicopter and jet near California airport
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into a near collision between a helicopter and a passenger jet in California. The incident took place on Tuesday evening near John Wayne Airport in Orange County. The close call happened at around 8:40 p.m. when a Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter crossed directly in front of United Airlines Flight 589. Air traffic controllers had to intervene to prevent a potential disaster.
The FAA is now examining whether air traffic controllers relied on visual separation during the incident. This procedure had previously been suspended near busy airports due to safety concerns. Regulators will review the circumstances leading to the near miss. The findings could influence future air traffic control procedures at high-traffic airports. No injuries or damage were reported in the incident.
