Close Call: Black Hawk Helicopter Nearly Hit by Fireworks at NFL Game

During a recent NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears, a Black Hawk helicopter narrowly escaped a fireworks display that ignited just as it was exiting the stadium. The incident, which occurred on November 2, raised safety concerns and prompted discussions on social media about the timing and coordination of such displays. Fortunately, the skilled pilot managed to avoid any damage, and all helicopters landed safely. Fans and experts are now calling for a review of safety protocols to prevent future near-misses during pregame ceremonies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 01:16 IST

Tense Moments Before NFL Match

On November 2, prior to the NFL showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears, fans at Lumen Field experienced a nail-biting moment when a pre-game fireworks display almost intersected with a military flyover.

Chicago Bears Triumph Over Seattle Seahawks

The Chicago Bears secured a convincing victory against the Seattle Seahawks, finishing the game with a score of 34-17. D'Andre Swift was a standout player, contributing three rushing touchdowns, while Caleb Williams threw for 247 yards. The stadium was packed with around 70,000 fans as four US Army Black Hawk helicopters conducted a ceremonial flyover.

Timing Error During Flyover

As the national anthem resonated throughout the stadium, the formation of four UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters approached, coinciding with the anthem's conclusion. However, a timing mishap led to the fireworks igniting just as the last helicopter was exiting the stadium.

A viral video captured the moment, showing the helicopter narrowly avoiding the fireworks, which erupted just feet away from its tail rotor and undercarriage. The pilot skillfully maintained altitude and maneuvered away from the danger zone.

Safe Landing for All Helicopters

Thanks to the pilot's expertise, the helicopter sustained no damage, and all four Black Hawks landed safely without any injuries reported. The distance between the stadium's roof and the flight path ensured that the aircraft remained clear of the fireworks.

Social Media Buzz Following the Incident

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where users expressed a mix of concern and humor regarding the fireworks' timing and safety measures during the flyover. Many questioned the coordination between event organizers and the military.

Some users highlighted the potential risks involved, warning that the situation could have escalated into a serious incident had the fireworks struck the helicopter. Others defended the resilience of the Black Hawk, asserting that it could withstand such minor threats.

Calls for Review of Safety Protocols

Despite the lack of official comments from the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL, or the U.S. military, fans and safety experts are urging a reassessment of protocols to prevent similar incidents in future pregame ceremonies.