Washington (CNN) — The US military and the Federal Aviation Administration are reviewing an NFL game overflight last month to determine whether military helicopters flew too low over civilians in violation of aviation regulations.
The 101st Airborne Division is conducting a military investigation to determine whether members of its combat aviation brigade violated any FAA regulations when they flew low over Nissan Stadium in Nashville during a game between the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans. Saints.
“The 101st Airborne Division is conducting a commander’s investigation into the flyby that took place on November 14,” according to Lt. Col. Kari McEwen, a spokeswoman for the elite division.
The FAA also confirmed that it is investigating, but declined to comment further. “The FAA is investigating this incident. We do not comment on pending investigations,” a spokeswoman told CNN.
Four helicopters from the division flew extremely low over the stadium at the start of the event. The video appears to show them flying as low as the top of the upper seat deck.
The military investigation was ordered by the division’s commanding general, Major General Joseph McGee, and is expected to be concluded quickly, two military officials said. If flight regulations are found to have been violated, McGee will have to decide what action to take.
Military overflights at sporting events are very common and are used to build relationships with the community, according to various defense officials. But in US commercial airspace, the military is required to obey FAA regulations and demonstrate that they fly safely without endangering civilians.
A key question for the investigation will be whether the unit violated security protocols. Under FAA regulations, helicopters have more flexibility in their flights than fixed-wing aircraft because they can maneuver quickly, but still must ensure the safety of civilians on the ground.
Per FAA regulations, aircraft flying over congested areas must operate at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle with a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet. Helicopters, according to the FAA, can operate at less than those minima as long as crews comply with any route or altitude mandated by the FAA.
CNN’s Paul LeBlanc contributed to this report.
