FAA and NTSB investigate close proximity of Marine One to passenger jet

A military helicopter known as Marine One, which was transporting President Donald Trump, experienced a loss of separation from a commercial passenger jet over Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. The incident occurred as the helicopter departed the White House while an American Airlines regional jet was taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Air traffic controllers were in communication with both aircraft during the event, but the commercial flight was not halted as is typically required during presidential movements.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have initiated a joint investigation into the safety breach. The incident has raised questions regarding the enforcement of aviation regulations, particularly following a midair collision in 2025 that led to stricter rules prohibiting mixed helicopter and jet traffic around the airport. The White House has stated that the President was never in danger during the flight.