A dramatic moment during an NFL pregame ceremony has sparked widespread concern after fireworks exploded dangerously close to a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter flying above a packed football stadium in Seattle.

The incident occurred on November 2, 2026, at Lumen Field, shortly before the Seattle Seahawks faced the Chicago Bears in a Monday Night Football matchup.

Four U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters performed a ceremonial flyover as part of the national anthem presentation.

However, as the fourth helicopter was passing over the stadium, fireworks suddenly erupted nearby, creating what appeared to be a frightening near-collision.

Videos recorded by spectators quickly spread across social media, showing fireworks bursting close to the military aircraft as thousands of fans watched in shock.

Fireworks Explode as Black Hawk Passes Over Stadium

The four helicopters approached Lumen Field in formation during the pregame ceremony.

The first three aircraft passed over the stadium before fireworks began launching from the structure near the north end zone.

But the fourth helicopter had not completely cleared the area.

Video footage shows colorful explosions appearing extremely close to the aircraft’s flight path.

From the stadium seats, the timing made it look as though the helicopter could be caught directly in the fireworks display.

Spectators could be heard reacting with surprise as the explosions illuminated the sky around the aircraft.

The helicopter continued flying behind the other three and did not appear to suffer any damage.

U.S. Army Confirms Aircraft and Crew Were Safe

Following the circulation of the footage, questions emerged about whether the helicopter had actually been struck by fireworks.

U.S. Army officials subsequently clarified that no aircraft had been hit.

Army spokesperson Major Montrell Russell confirmed that no fireworks struck the helicopter, no aircraft were damaged and no members of the aircrew were injured.

The confirmation brought relief after the dramatic footage raised concerns about the safety of the military personnel aboard.

The helicopters were operated by the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.

Read Task & Purpose’s report and the Army’s official confirmation.

Why Did the Fireworks and Helicopter Flyover Overlap?

The incident has raised questions about coordination between stadium entertainment teams and military flight crews.

Military flyovers are carefully planned events involving flight paths, altitude restrictions, timing and communication between participating organizations.

Fireworks displays also require safety zones and precise launch schedules.

In Seattle, the timing of the national anthem and the aircraft’s arrival did not appear to align with the fireworks schedule.

As a result, the final helicopter was still near the stadium when the pyrotechnics began.

The available footage has prompted questions about whether the two operations were adequately coordinated.

However, officials have not publicly established the exact cause of the timing overlap.

Nearly 70,000 Fans Witness the Scary Moment

Approximately 70,000 spectators attended the Seahawks-Bears game at Lumen Field.

Many fans recorded the flyover, while others captured the fireworks exploding near the helicopter.

The footage quickly attracted attention online, with viewers questioning how such a potentially dangerous situation could occur during a major sporting event.

Some fans described the moment as terrifying, while others expressed relief that the aircraft continued flying safely.

The incident also renewed discussions about the risks involved in combining military aircraft demonstrations with fireworks at crowded public venues.

The Black Hawk: A Powerful Military Helicopter

The aircraft involved belonged to the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk family, one of the U.S. Army’s most widely used military helicopters.

The Black Hawk is designed for demanding military operations, including troop transport, medical evacuation, rescue missions and logistical support.

It is equipped with systems intended to improve survivability in challenging operating environments.

However, military aircraft are not designed to operate without risk around fireworks or uncontrolled explosions.

A close encounter with pyrotechnics can potentially threaten aircraft, personnel and spectators.

Seahawks Lose to the Bears After the Dramatic Flyover

The unusual pregame incident was followed by a difficult night for Seattle on the football field.

The Chicago Bears defeated the Seahawks 34–17 at Lumen Field.

The result added another disappointing chapter to an evening that had already attracted attention because of the fireworks incident.

For many spectators, however, the most memorable moment of the night happened before the opening kickoff.

Questions Remain About Stadium Safety

Although the Army confirmed that the helicopters and their crews were unharmed, the incident has raised important questions about event safety.

Organizers of major sporting events must coordinate multiple operations, including aircraft movements, fireworks, lighting systems and crowd management.

The Seattle incident demonstrates why precise timing and communication are essential when military aircraft fly over stadiums during live entertainment displays.

What was intended to be an impressive patriotic celebration briefly appeared to become a dangerous aviation near-miss.

Fortunately, the helicopter continued its flight safely, and no injuries were reported.

Sources: U.S. Army, Associated Press, ABC News, Task & Purpose, KIRO Newsradio and The Spokesman-Review.

This article reflects reporting available through November 5, 2026. The Army confirmed that no fireworks struck the aircraft and no crew members were injured.