Marine One Near-Miss Over Washington Triggers FAA Investigation
A flight involving U.S. President Donald Trump’s Marine One helicopter is under investigation after it reportedly came into unusually close proximity with a regional passenger jet shortly after departing the White House.
According to the reported timeline, Marine One lifted off from the White House at approximately 2:33 p.m., carrying President Trump to Joint Base Andrews. About one minute later, an Envoy Air regional aircraft, operating on behalf of American Airlines, departed nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Preliminary reports indicate the two aircraft came within approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers) horizontally and 700 feet (210 meters) vertically. Those reported separation distances have raised concerns and prompted questions about whether standard air traffic separation procedures were maintained
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether an air traffic control error or another operational issue contributed to the close encounter.
Officials have not reported any injuries or damage, and both aircraft completed their flights safely. Investigators are expected to review radar data, communications between pilots and air traffic controllers, and other flight records before reaching any conclusions.