737 Comes Within 100 Feet Of Advertising Balloon

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A GOL Boeing 737 MAX had a near miss with an advertising balloon that came within 100 feet of its wing during descent into Rio De Janeiro on December 17th.
  • The aircraft landed safely after the incident was reported, marking a trend as another large balloon was sighted at 35,000 feet in July.
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Passengers on the left side of a GOL Linhas Areas Boeing 737 MAX got more than they expected for a view when an advertising balloon came within 100 feet of the left wing. Airlive reported the aircraft was in its final descent for Rio De Janeiro from Porto Alegre on Dec. 17 when the helium balloon with a banner attached swept past. The incident was reported and the plane continued to an uneventful landing. In July, an airline crew reported seeing a large balloon hoisting a Brazilian flag at 35,000 feet, Airlive reported.

Russ Niles

Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
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