Trump's Marine One Close Call
NTSB says White House construction caused radio issues before Marine One neared a jet.
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Updated Aug 27, 8:13pm ETBoth sides, every morning
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The reporting
The NTSB’s preliminary report says Marine One’s crew made repeated but unsuccessful radio calls to Reagan National Airport before the helicopter carrying President Donald Trump departed the White House Ellipse on August 4 and came near a commercial passenger jet. Construction at the White House had moved presidential helicopter operations to a temporary site, contributing to radio-coverage problems that kept controllers from hearing the standard three-minute liftoff warning. One week earlier, Reagan controllers and Marine One pilots had discussed the missed alerts and agreed on alternate procedures. The jet was cleared for takeoff while Marine One was departing.
Analysis & opinion
Construction Safety RiskMostly Left
Trump’s White House construction project played a role in the Marine One close call. The work may have disrupted communications or otherwise contributed to the conditions that nearly put the helicopter in conflict with a passenger jet.
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