LAPD Navy helicopter near miss
The gist
An LAPD helicopter over Echo Park changed course after a Navy Seahawk approached at about 800 feet.
The Navy calls it a joint exercise; the two sides differ on radio contact.
How it unfolded
- Nov 3, 2026Around 2 p.m., the LAPD helicopter received an air traffic alert and spotted an approaching military helicopter. Its crew tried to reach the other aircraft on a common aviation frequency, got no response, and changed its flight profile before resuming its orbit once the military helicopter passed.
- Nov 3, 2026The military aircraft was identified as a Navy Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk; both helicopters were reportedly at about 800 feet. The Navy said its helicopters were on a training exercise with the Coast Guard and the LAPD.
- Nov 4, 2026KTLA and the New York Post/California Post reported the close call, quoting the LAPD pilot's radio remarks, including "You guys gotta pay attention, man. That's ridiculous."