The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation after Marine One, the helicopter carrying U.S. President Donald Trump, passed too close to a commercial airliner near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Tuesday.
The National Transportation Safety Board stated on X on Wednesday that it is investigating a reported loss of separation between Marine One and a commercial plane taking off from the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said preliminary safety analyses showed a temporary loss of spacing, after which both aircraft continued moving away from each other.
The Federal Aviation Administration added that the air traffic controller remained in contact with both the pilot of the commercial plane and the pilot of Marine One during the loss of separation. The agency is continuing to analyze the circumstances of the incident and will take appropriate corrective actions based on its findings.
White House Response and Flight Details
The White House assured that Donald Trump was never exposed to risk during the flight. White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Marine One flights are operated by some of the best aviators in the world and that the president was at no point in danger.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. as an American Airlines Embraer E-170, operated by Envoy Air, was taking off. Marine One was heading to Joint Base Andrews so Donald Trump could board Air Force One for a trip to California.
The Wall Street Journal reported that safety regulations require a minimum separation of 1.5 miles, or 2.40 kilometers, horizontally and 500 feet, or 150 meters, vertically in such situations.
Safety Measures at Reagan Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration noted that it has reinforced safety measures around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport since January 2025. That month, a collision between an approaching commercial airliner and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter killed 67 people.
When contacted by AFP, American Airlines and the United States Marine Corps did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
