Fireworks Burst Near Black Hawk During Seattle Stadium Flyover

Four U.S. Army Black Hawks flew over Lumen Field before Seattle hosted Chicago on November 2. As the first three helicopters cleared the stadium, fireworks shot into the air while the fourth was still passing overhead. Videos from several angles showed the pyrotechnics bursting close to the aircraft, prompting audible gasps from the crowd of about 70,000.

The final helicopter continued flying and left the area with the others. Army Lt. Col. Cynthia Holuta said no fireworks struck the aircraft, no helicopter was damaged and no crew member was injured.

The flyover took place during the national anthem as part of the pregame events. Helicopter appearances have featured at Lumen Field before, including at a June event for Team USA’s World Cup game against Australia. The game proceeded as scheduled.

Chicago beat Seattle 34-17. The loss left the defending Super Bowl champions at 4-4, while the Bears improved to 6-2. Seattle was set to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9; Chicago’s next opponent was Tampa Bay.