Military Helicopter Crosses Path of United Flight Near John Wayne Airport; FAA Investigates

The FAA is examining the circumstances surrounding the near-miss between a military helicopter and a United Airlines flight. Visual separation, a method where pilots maintain distance by sight, is under review. Limiting visual separation would mean relying more on stricter air traffic control methods. The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. PST when United Flight 589 was on its final approach. Audio of the exchange indicated that air traffic control recognized the severity of the situation, stating, 'That was not good.' The California National Guard stated that the helicopter was flying along an established Visual Flight Rules route. This event has intensified the focus on the balance between commercial and military air traffic, especially after a fatal collision in January 2025.

A military helicopter crossed in front of United Airlines Flight 589 as it approached John Wayne Airport, leading to an FAA investigation.

The aircraft came within approximately 525 feet vertically and 1,422 feet laterally.

Visual separation is a method where pilots maintain distance from other aircraft by sight, rather than relying solely on air traffic control and radar.

This incident has heightened concerns about air traffic safety and the intermingling of commercial and military air traffic near airports, particularly after a previous fatal collision.

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