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PoliticsNTSB: Marine One crew failed to contact air traffic control before near miss with passenger jet
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported on August 27, 2026, that the crew of a Marine One helicopter carrying President Donald Trump failed to establish communication with air traffic controllers before departing on August 4, 2026. The helicopter came dangerously close to a passenger jet departing from Reagan Washington National Airport. The NTSB stated that the Marine One crew attempted at least twice to provide the required three-minute departure notice but was hindered by communications issues. The incident raised concerns about why commercial air traffic was allowed to proceed while the presidential helicopter was in the vicinity, as such traffic is typically halted during presidential movements. The Transportation Secretary is reportedly working on telecom issues related to the incident.
Source report
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said on Thursday that the crew of a military helicopter carrying President Donald Trump failed to reach air traffic controllers before departing on Aug. 4, leading to a close call with a passenger jet.
Incident Details
The incident occurred when a plane departing Reagan Washington National Airport came too close to Marine One. The event raised questions about why the commercial airplane was allowed to depart while the presidential helicopter was nearby — a time when commercial traffic is typically halted.
Communications Issues
According to the NTSB, the Marine One crew attempted at least twice to give controllers the required three-minute notice of departure but were hampered by communications issues.
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Military TimesWestern
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