Overview
- Southwest Flight 1333 from Baltimore aborted its first approach to Cleveland Hopkins on Oct. 29 after a traffic collision avoidance system alert triggered a go-around.
- Flightradar24 data show the Boeing 737 and an Airbus H145 medical helicopter were both at about 2,075 feet with roughly 0.56 miles of lateral separation as the helicopter crossed in front.
- Tower audio captures a controller telling the helicopter to pass behind the jet, the pilot proposing to go above and in front, and the controller replying “roger.”
- The NTSB has dispatched a team and will examine ATC instructions, pilot actions and TCAS performance; Southwest praised its crew and said it will support the investigation.
- Reports differ on whether the helicopter was carrying a patient, and the incident is being viewed in light of earlier helicopter–airliner conflicts and FAA staffing strains during the shutdown.