Near miss reported between plane and Black Hawk helicopter

Published 2 months ago• 2 minute read

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – We now know there was almost another collision between a plane and a Black Hawk helicopter.

Just days after a deadly mid-air collision between a commercial airplane and a military helicopter near Regan National Airport in DC, many people are still left stunned.

Right now, there are more questions than answers as authorities continue their investigation, recovering both black boxes from American Airlines flight 53-42, a collision that left 67 people presumed dead as 40 bodies have been pulled from the Potomac River. Not only was there that deadly collision in DC on Wednesday, but the day before on Tuesday, a flight that departed Bradley for DC was diverted before landing due to helicopter traffic.

A spokesperson for Bradley International Airport confirmed Republic Airways flight 45-14 left Bradley just before 7 p.m. Tuesday Flight-aware data shows the plane making its descent into DCA, before suddenly increasing its speed and climbing in elevation.

The pilot was forced to perform a “go-around” saying, “We had an RA with the helicopter traffic below us.”

RA refers to a resolution advisory, an emergency code used when a plane needs to perform a maneuver to separate from a potential threat. Some travelers at Bradley International Airport Friday morning had heard of the near collision.

Jack Norton from Milton told 22News, “Over the years, we have had so much success with successful landings and takeoffs. Just one incident, obviously very tragic, and praying for those families, but overall I think it is very safe.”

Others are still nervous about being in the air, but trust the precautions airlines take. “I know that the airline flights are doing every in their power to keep us safe and I put my faith and trust in them,” says Alexandra Sproul of Great Barrington. “Accidents do happen but they need to look into the safety of all of us traveling.”

Everyone is still eager for answers as to why and how this happened as victims are still being recovered and identified.

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