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Kite Collision Incident Involves United Airlines Flight at Reagan National Airport
On Saturday, a United Airlines aircraft arriving from Houston encountered a kite during its landing approach at Washington Reagan National Airport. The incident unfolded as the Boeing 737, operating flight 654, was preparing to touch down, which occurred around 4 p.m. EDT with 126 passengers and five crew members on board.
According to audio recordings from Air Traffic Control, pilots indicated that the kite was spotted hovering over Gravelly Point, a park situated adjacent to the runway along the Potomac River’s Virginia shoreline. This area is known for its proximity to landing aircraft, making kite flying there a prohibited activity.
Witnesses present at the park reported seeing the kite rise to an altitude that seemed irregular for safe kite flying. Dylan Oakes, a producer at a local D.C. news station and a former flight attendant, recounted observing the United flight’s descent, stating, “As the plane got a little bit closer, it came into contact with the kite.”
In response to the incident, United Airlines confirmed their awareness of the situation, stating, “We are aware of reports that a kite struck UA flight 654 from Houston to Reagan Airport in Washington D.C. The aircraft landed safely, customers deplaned normally, and upon inspection, there was no damage to the aircraft.”
After the event, police from the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority responded to reports of kite flying at Gravelly Point. They confiscated the kite but later returned it to its owner without filing any charges. The Airports Authority emphasized that kite flying poses dangers to low-flying aircraft, underlining the importance of adhering to safety regulations in such zones.
This incident was particularly noteworthy as it followed closely on the heels of another close call involving an aircraft. Just one day prior, a Delta flight received a collision avoidance alert due to a nearby military aircraft, bringing to light ongoing safety concerns at Reagan National Airport. These recent events follow a tragic midair collision earlier this year, where an American Airlines flight collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the loss of 67 lives. In light of that tragedy, the National Transportation Safety Board has made several safety recommendations to mitigate risks associated with air traffic in that area, including restricting certain helicopter operations when specific runways are in use.
Continued Safety Assessments Required
Safety around airports, especially those such as Reagan National with high traffic, is critical. The series of events leading to heightened scrutiny of air traffic safety measures underscores the need for ongoing assessment and adherence to aviation regulations. It is imperative for both aviation authorities and the public to remain vigilant to ensure the security of air travel.
Source
www.cbsnews.com