The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into a near-miss incident involving a United Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter over California.
The close encounter occurred on Tuesday at 8:40 p.m. as a United Boeing 737 was on its approach to John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
A Black Hawk helicopter reportedly crossed directly in front of the commercial airliner.
The aircraft were separated by a mere 525 feet vertically, according to fight tracking site Flightradar.
The FAA is also examining whether this incident breached its recently implemented policy, which prohibits visual separation for helicopters operating near major airports.
John Wayne Airport is an international commercial and general aviation airport that serves Orange County and Greater Los Angeles.
