US aviation authorities have launched an investigation after Marine One, the helicopter carrying President Donald Trump, reportedly came within less than a mile of a commercial passenger aircraft near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Tuesday.
The incident, described as a “loss of separation”, occurred as the presidential helicopter departed the White House for Andrews Air Force Base around the same time an American Airlines regional flight was taking off. The White House has maintained that the president was never at risk.
NTSB and FAA Probe the Incident
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed it is investigating the reported loss of separation between Marine One and the departing commercial aircraft.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air traffic controllers remained in contact with both the Marine One crew and the commercial flight throughout the incident.
Officials said the investigation will determine whether any safety protocols were breached and whether corrective measures are required.
White House Says Trump Was Never in Danger
Responding to reports of the incident, White House spokesperson Kush Desai said Marine One is operated by highly experienced pilots and stressed that President Trump was never in harm’s way.
The FAA also echoed that assessment, stating that the president’s safety was never compromised while adding that the agency will continue reviewing the event.
Communication Issues Reportedly Under Review
According to reports, the close approach may have been linked to garbled communication between air traffic controllers and the aircraft involved.
The Wall Street Journal reported that standard aviation safety procedures generally require aircraft to maintain at least 1.5 miles of horizontal separation and 500 feet of vertical separation under such circumstances.
The commercial aircraft involved was reportedly an American Airlines Embraer E-170, operated by Envoy Air, while Marine One was en route to Andrews Air Force Base, where President Trump later boarded Air Force One for his trip to California.
Marine Corps Rejects ‘Near-Miss’ Claims
The US Marine Corps, which operates Marine One, rejected suggestions that the helicopter was involved in a dangerous near-miss.
Marine Corps spokesperson Captain Jacob Sugg said there were no “close calls” during the routine presidential flight. He added that the Washington National Airport control tower neither instructed the helicopter crew to hold nor altered its planned flight path.
Heightened Scrutiny Around Washington Airspace
The investigation comes as aviation safety around Washington National Airport remains under increased scrutiny following the fatal mid-air collision between a passenger aircraft and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter in January 2025 that claimed 67 lives.
Authorities are expected to review flight data and communication records before releasing their findings.
