2025-05 · NASA ASRS report 2247911
Air carrier crew reported a TCAS RA and a near miss with a helicopter while on final approach; with visibility reduced in smoke and dust. The Captain followed the TCAS RA guidance to climb over the helicopter and continued the approach to a landing.
On RNP RWY 35 approach between fixes PR502 and PR501 at 4500 ft MSL got a TCAS TA followed by a TCAS RA. Called tower at PR502 and they told us to continue the approach. Tower did not mention any traffic in the area. They told us to continue the approach and report a 5 mile final. The visibility was approximately 5 miles with smoke and dust. Immediately after that; we received the RA. FO called out the helicopter traffic that was coming from our right to left; essentially on a collision course with us. I called visual on that traffic immediately after. We then got the resolution advisory to climb; in which I followed procedures and RA guidance and initiated the climb. FO reported the RA to tower; and tower controller cleared us to land. We passed directly over the helicopter 500 ft above when RA commanded level off. After clear of conflict with helicopter visually passing behind us; runway visually in sight we decided to continue the approach. After passing traffic; tower finally told us about the helicopter traffic. Got the airplane configured for landing just past the FAF and met stabilized approach criteria prior to 500 ft; so continued on to an uneventful landing.
Aircraft was cleared for RNP 35 approach at MHPR airport. At approximately 7 NM final between points PR502 and PR501 a TCAS advisory was received. Immediately the crew saw a helicopter approaching slightly below and converging 90 degrees from the right. Shortly thereafter; approximately 4100 feet MSL; TCAS RA went off and a climb was commanded. The Captain clicked off the autopilot and auto throttles and followed the guided RA climb. This eliminated the midair threat; and soon a clear of conflict was announced by the TCAS. Crew elected to continue the approach and reached stabilized approach criteria by 500 AGL. Normal landing. There was no ATC advisory issued for the traffic until after the near miss incident. ATC advised there is no radar separation or monitoring in tower. Without the TCAS and crew intervention a midair would have been very likely.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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