Marine One, carrying President Donald Trump, departs Camp David in Maryland with support from a U.S. Marine helicopter following a Cabinet meeting on July 31, 2026. — AFP
– U.S. authorities are examining a possible close encounter involving Marine One.
– The New York Times reports this incident happened over Washington on Tuesday.
– The White House asserts that President Trump was never at risk.
U.S. officials are investigating whether a military helicopter transporting Donald Trump came dangerously close to a commercial jet above Washington earlier this week. The White House maintains that the president was never in any danger.
A New York Times article, citing two sources familiar with the matter, indicates Marine One flew within less than a mile of a passenger aircraft above the U.S. capital on Tuesday, amid unclear radio communications with air traffic control.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced it is investigating a reported incident of separation loss between Marine One and a departing commercial aircraft from Washington National Airport (DCA) that took place on August 4.
Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, told AFP, “Marine One flights are flown by some of the top aviators in the world, and the president was never at risk.”
The FAA has stated that air traffic control was in contact with both the Marine One pilot and the commercial pilot during the incident.
“The President was never in danger. We are reviewing the event and will take appropriate actions based on what we find,” the FAA added.
According to the Wall Street Journal, safety protocols necessitate at least 1.5 miles of horizontal separation and 500 feet of vertical distance in such scenarios.
The incident reportedly occurred around 2:30 p.m. (1830 GMT), coinciding with the launch of an American Airlines Embraer E-170 operated by Envoy Air, a subsidiary.
The helicopter was en route to Andrews Air Force Base so Trump could board his presidential aircraft for travel to California.
American Airlines and the U.S. Marine Corps, which operates Marine One, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Since a fatal collision between an incoming commercial airplane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter in January 2025 resulted in 67 fatalities, the FAA has significantly increased safety measures around Washington National Airport.