FAA is investigating why a plane was allowed to take off as President Trump’s helicopter approached

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a Tuesday incident where a commercial jet took off as President Trump's helicopter, Marine One, approached Reagan National Airport. This event appears to violate safety procedures implemented after a fatal midair collision in January 2025, which mandated halting takeoffs and landings when helicopters are near the airport. While the FAA confirmed a "momentary loss of separation," they stated the aircraft moved away from each other and the air traffic controller remained in contact with both pilots. The White House and Marine Corps asserted that the President was not in danger and that the helicopter pilots followed approved procedures. The incident has prompted renewed calls from victims' families for aviation safety reforms.

The FAA is investigating a safety incident involving Marine One, President Trump's helicopter, and a departing passenger jet over Washington D.C. on Tuesday afternoon. Air traffic controllers are believed to have failed to halt commercial flights at Reagan National Airport when Marine One took off from the White House, resulting in a "loss of separation" between the two aircraft. While the aircraft are not thought to have been on a collision course, they came closer than regulations allow. This incident follows stricter proximity rules implemented after a deadly collision in January 2025. A third aircraft was rerouted as a precaution.