Investigations are currently in progress to determine the circumstances surrounding a passenger jet’s departure while US President Donald Trump’s helicopter was approaching.

On Tuesday, August 4, Marine Forces One was nearing Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when the incident occurred, potentially breaching safety protocols implemented after a previous mid-air collision near the area.

Both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration announced on Wednesday that they were looking into the situation where the jet took off as the helicopter carrying the president departed from the White House.

Following a tragic incident on January 29, 2025, where 67 individuals lost their lives in an airliner and Army Black Hawk helicopter collision, the FAA mandated a temporary halt to all take-offs and landings at the Washington, DC airport whenever a conflicting helicopter route was identified.

The airspace surrounding the White House and Reagan airport is known for its heavy congestion with military and commercial aircraft.

During the occurrence, the airplane ascending on Tuesday was above Marine One as the helicopter neared, ensuring that the two aircraft were not on a collision course.

The FAA reported a momentary loss of separation between the aircraft before they moved away from each other, with air traffic controllers maintaining contact with both pilots throughout the incident.

The White House reassured the public that Trump was never in any danger during the event, with a spokesperson highlighting the expertise of Marine One pilots in ensuring the president’s safety.

The Marine Corps stood by the actions of their helicopter pilots, while acknowledging past challenges in communication between military and civilian air traffic controllers at Reagan airport.