Trump chopper-jet scare under probe

Investigators examine why jet was cleared for takeoff as Marine One approached Washington airport

Questions emerge over air traffic control procedures after Marine One and a commercial jet briefly lost safe separation.

Washington: US aviation authorities are investigating why a commercial jet was allowed to take off as Presi­dent Donald Trump’s helicopter approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Tuesday, apparently violating safety procedures introduced after last year’s fatal midair collision.

The Federal Aviation Adm­inistration (FAA) said a preliminary investigation found “a momentary loss of separation” between the aircraft as Marine One flew from the White House to Andrews Air Force Base. The jet was climbing above Marine One and the aircraft were not on a collision course. The White House said Trump was never in danger.

After 67 people died when an airliner collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025, the FAA ordered takeoffs and landings at the airport halted whenever helicopters pass on conflicting routes.  The National Transpor­ta­tion Safety Board and FAA are investigating Tuesday’s incident.

—AP