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Marine One's warning calls before mishap went unheard by Reagan air traffic controllers, NTSB says
Updated on: August 27, 2026 / 9:15 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Air traffic controllers and Marine One pilots met to discuss communication issues following a near-miss incident.
- Controllers did not receive the standard three-minute warning call ahead of Marine One's takeoff.
- An agreed-upon alternative method for relaying the warning call also failed.
- The incident occurred despite safety procedures implemented after a fatal mid-air collision near the airport.
- Recordings showed a discrepancy in whether the calls from Marine One were heard by tower controllers.
- The FAA relocated a radio receiver to improve communication between air traffic control and Marine One.
- The helicopter and airliner were estimated to be over 0.8 miles apart laterally and 700 feet apart vertically at their closest point.
- The incident highlighted a previous issue where a hotline between the Pentagon and Reagan tower was not working.