Marine One Carrying Trump Had Near-Miss With Jet Near D.C. Airport

An incident involving President Donald Trump's helicopter, Marine One, and a commercial jet near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“

The FAA decided after 67 people died on Jan. 29, 2025, when an airliner collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter that all takeoffs and landings at the Washington, D.C., airport would be halted anytime a helicopter passes by on a conflicting route.

The event occurred Tuesday afternoon as Marine One was en route from the White House to Andrews Air Force Base. It is unclear why the jet was cleared for takeoff as the president's helicopter was approaching, a situation that could represent a violation of safety procedures. These procedures were established following a fatal midair collision near the airport on January 29, 2025, which resulted in 67 fatalities.

Following the 2025 crash, the FAA mandated that all takeoffs and landings at the Washington, D.C., airport would be halted whenever a helicopter passes on a conflicting route. The airspace around the White House and Reagan National Airport is known for its high volume of military and commercial air traffic.

“

there was a momentary loss of separation after which the aircraft continued to move away from one another.

While the airplane was climbing as Marine One approached, the two aircraft were not on a direct collision course. The FAA stated that a preliminary investigation indicated a "momentary loss of separation" after which the aircraft moved away from each other. An air traffic controller was reportedly in contact with both pilots during this event.

“

Marine One flights are piloted by some of the best aviators in the world, and at no point was the President in harm’s way.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai assured that "at no point was the President in harm's way," emphasizing the skill of Marine One pilots. Similarly, Marine Corps spokesperson Capt. Jacob Sugg stated there were no "close calls" during the routine movement and that air traffic control did not alter the helicopter's flight path. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the incident.

“

There were no ‘close calls’ with the routine Marine One movement. Washington National Tower did not delay the helicopter crew, ask them to hold, or otherwise alter their flight profile.