NTSB Investigates Near-Miss Between Southwest Plane, Medical Helicopter Cleveland Airspace

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a near-miss incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Eurocopter medical helicopter near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport on October 29. The two aircraft violated the minimum safe separation distance, coming as close as 0.56 miles at an altitude of 2,075 feet, which led the Southwest pilot to abort the initial landing and safely land shortly after. Air traffic control had initially instructed the helicopter to stay behind the jet, but the helicopter pilot requested to pass ahead and above, which was approved, contributing to the loss of separation. Southwest Airlines praised its crew's professionalism and is cooperating fully with the NTSB investigation, while the medical transport company has not commented. The incident has raised ongoing concerns about air traffic safety, especially amid staffing shortages at the FAA due to a government shutdown, though the FAA has emphasized its commitment to safety. This event echoes a previous deadly mid-air collision involving a commercial jet and a helicopter near Washington, D.C., highlighting the critical importance of maintaining safe distances between aircraft.