NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Radio Issues in Near Miss at DCA
A preliminary NTSB report found that radio coverage issues near Reagan National Airport (DCA) prevented Marine One from reaching the control tower before a nearby commercial jet took off, leading to a loss of separation.
Washington, DC, August 27, 2026 —
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has identified radio coverage issues as a contributing factor in an incident near Reagan National Airport (DCA) that resulted in a loss of separation between Marine One and a commercial jet. The findings suggest that communication difficulties prevented the presidential helicopter from reaching the control tower in time, occurring before the departure of the nearby commercial aircraft.
The incident, detailed in the initial NTSB assessment, highlights potential vulnerabilities in air traffic communication protocols at a critical aviation hub. According to the report, the radio coverage limitations meant Marine One could not establish contact with the control tower as expected. This communication gap coincided with the takeoff of a commercial airliner, creating a situation where the two aircraft were not adequately separated.
The NTSB’s preliminary findings are based on an ongoing investigation. The full scope of the circumstances leading to the loss of separation, including specific technical details of the radio coverage issues and the precise timeline of events, is still under review. Further investigation will aim to clarify the extent of the radio coverage problems and their direct impact on air traffic control procedures and pilot communications at DCA.
The report does not specify the names of the involved parties or aircraft beyond identifying one as Marine One and the other as a commercial jet. Information regarding any immediate actions taken following the incident or potential follow-up procedures by aviation authorities was also not provided in the preliminary findings. The NTSB continues to gather and analyze data to produce a comprehensive final report on the event.
Story summarized from the original created by Tyler.Thrasher@fox.com (Tyler Thrasher) on www.fox5dc.com, see more information here.
