By Ahmed Abdelsalam
An LAPD helicopter and a U.S. Navy Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk nearly collided over Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon near Echo Park, according to reports.
LAPD Account
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. while the police helicopter was circling during a call. The LAPD said its crew received an air traffic alert and saw the Navy helicopter approaching. Audio obtained by CBS LA captures the LAPD pilot warning the other aircraft and saying, “You guys gotta pay attention, man. That’s ridiculous.” The department stated its helicopter was forced to change position after the Navy aircraft did not respond on a common aviation frequency.
Navy Response
The Navy said it was conducting a joint training exercise with the LAPD and U.S. Coast Guard on November 3 and that its aircrew were monitoring and communicating on required radio frequencies. A Navy spokesperson emphasized the exercise aimed to increase interagency proficiency and safety.
Previous Incidents
No injuries were reported. The near-miss comes less than two months after a fatal helicopter crash in the San Fernando Valley that killed three people, and less than a mile from the site of a 1966 collision between an LAPD helicopter and a KMPC helicopter near Dodger Stadium.
