Black Hawk narrowly misses fireworks over Seattle stadium

A ceremonial flyover before an NFL game in Seattle turned into a dangerous near-miss when an Army Black Hawk helicopter passed directly over the stadium just as fireworks launched nearby. Video captured from multiple angles shows the pyrotechnics appearing to pass within feet of the aircraft, with spectators heard shouting in alarm.

The incident took place yesterday (November 2) at Lumen Field in Seattle during pre-game preparations for the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears.

As part of the national anthem ceremony, four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the 2158th Aviation Regiment, part of the US Army's 16th Infantry Division, performed a flyover above the stadium. But as the final helicopter in the formation began to clear the venue, fireworks were launched from the stadium area. Footage from one angle shows the pyrotechnics streaking past the helicopter at extremely close range, with what appears to be contact, prompting gasps from the crowd below.

Seconds from disaster: stadium fireworks nearly strike combat helicopter over thousands of spectators (Photo: Social media)

Additional videos released later from other vantage points provided a clearer picture of just how close the fireworks came to the aircraft. According to reports, the helicopter continued on its flight path without sustaining damage.

The clips spread rapidly across social media, with many pointing to the danger of coordinating a pyrotechnics display with a helicopter flyover in the same airspace. What was meant to be an impressive opening to the game became one of the more unusual moments captured that evening.