Presidential Helicopter and Passenger Jet Nearly Collide Near Washington DC

A close call over Washington DC has triggered a federal investigation after President Trump’s helicopter came dangerously close to a commercial passenger aircraft on Monday evening. The incident occurred as Marine One, which carries the US President, departed from the White House en route to Andrews Air Force Base at the same moment a commercial plane was taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.The two aircraft came significantly closer than safety protocols permit, with the passenger jet passing directly above the presidential helicopter. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a formal investigation into what it described as a “temporary loss of separation” between the two vessels.Despite the alarming proximity, FAA officials have stated that President Trump was never in genuine danger during the encounter. The agency confirmed that air traffic controllers maintained contact with both flight crews throughout the incident and were aware of the situation as it developed.The investigation will examine how the near-miss occurred and whether proper procedures were followed by both the military pilots operating Marine One and the commercial airline crew. Such incidents are taken with utmost seriousness by aviation authorities given the security and safety implications involved.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.