United Flight Reports Possible Kite Strike During Landing at Reagan National Airport
Aviation Security Correspondent | March 30, 2025 | Updated 7:15 PM EDT
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A routine United Airlines flight from Houston became the center of an aviation safety investigation Saturday after pilots reported a possible kite strike during final approach to Reagan National Airport (DCA), marking the latest in a series of alarming incidents near the busy capital-area airport.
The Incident Timeline
• 3:42 PM: UA Flight 654 begins descent into DCA from 8,000 feet
• 4:11 PM: Pilots report “possible foreign object contact” to tower
• 4:13 PM: Aircraft lands safely on Runway 19
• 4:20 PM: MWAA police detain kite flyers at Gravelly Point
Gravelly Point: A Known Hazard Zone
The popular riverside park sits just:
✓ 400 feet from DCA’s northern runway threshold
✓ Directly beneath the Potomac River visual approach
✓ In clear violation of FAA Part 91.15 restrictions
“Flying kites here is like playing Russian roulette with aviation safety,” said Captain Robert Katz, a 43-year commercial pilot who’s flown into DCA over 1,200 times. “At 150 knots approach speed, even a small kite string could jam flight controls or get sucked into an engine.”
Conflicting Reports Emerge
While United confirmed the incident, authorities remain divided:
→ MWAA: Acknowledged kite confiscation but couldn’t confirm strike
→ FAA: Claims no official incident report filed
→ NTSB: Monitoring but hasn’t opened investigation
Dangerous Pattern Developing
This scare comes just 48 hours after:
• March 28 near-miss between Delta A319 and Air Force T-38s
• January 30 collision between AA flight and Black Hawk helicopter
• 2024 laser strike incidents up 37% at DCA
Aviation Experts Sound Alarm
“These aren’t accidents—they’re preventable system failures,” declared former NTSB member John Goglia. He points to:
✔️ Inadequate signage at Gravelly Point
✔️ Lax enforcement of airspace violations
✔️ No geofencing technology to detect drones/kites
What’s Next
MWAA tells Fox News they’re considering:
Installing radar-detection systems along the Potomac
Increasing police patrols with $25,000 fines for violators
Public awareness campaign about airport hazards
News
“‘JUST FOR A MOMENT COST ME MY FAMILY, MY MONEY, MY JOB’—TECH CEO ANDY BYRON THREATENS TO SUE COLDPLAY AFTER SCANDAL WITH HR HEAD KRISTIN CABOT DESTROYS HIS LIFE. In a shocking and emotional confession, Andy Byron, a tech CEO, opens up about how a single indiscretion with Kristin Cabot, the HR head, has led to the unraveling of his world. What began as a private affair turned into a public scandal after Coldplay’s infamous Kiss Cam moment exposed the affair to millions. Now, with his wife filing for a $50 million divorce, his children taken from him, and chaos in the boardroom, Byron is threatening legal action against Coldplay. How did his life spiral so out of control, and what’s next for him in this explosive drama? Get the full, jaw-dropping details of this developing story.”
“‘JUST FOR A MOMENT COST ME MY FAMILY, MY MONEY, MY JOB’—TECH CEO ANDY BYRON THREATENS TO SUE COLDPLAY AFTER…
TECH CEO ANDY BYRON THREATENS TO SUE COLDPLAY AFTER SCANDAL WITH HR HEAD KRISTIN CABOT DESTROYS HIS LIFE. In a shocking and emotional confession, Andy Byron, a tech CEO, opens up about how a single indiscretion with Kristin Cabot, the HR head, has led to the unraveling of his world. What began as a private affair turned into a public scandal after Coldplay’s infamous Kiss Cam moment exposed the affair to millions. Now, with his wife filing for a $50 million divorce, his children taken from him, and chaos in the boardroom, Byron is threatening legal action against Coldplay. How did his life spiral so out of control, and what’s next for him in this explosive drama? Get the full, jaw-dropping details of this developing story.”
“‘JUST FOR A MOMENT COST ME MY FAMILY, MY MONEY, MY JOB’—TECH CEO ANDY BYRON THREATENS TO SUE COLDPLAY AFTER…
“Historic Move: WNBA Cuts Diamond DeShields After Violent Foul on Caitlin Clark.” The WNBA has made a bold statement by cutting Diamond DeShields from the roster after her violent actions against Caitlin Clark, signaling a shift in league policy on player conduct
BREAKING: The Caitlin Clark Effect – How One Brutal Foul Ended Diamond DeShields’ WNBA Career and Changed the League Forever…
The WNBA’s Landmark Decision: Diamond DeShields Fired After Brutal Attack on Caitlin Clark.” In a decisive move, the WNBA has removed Diamond DeShields from the roster after a brutal attack on Caitlin Clark, setting a new precedent for how the league addresses violence on the court.
BREAKING: The Caitlin Clark Effect – How One Brutal Foul Ended Diamond DeShields’ WNBA Career and Changed the League Forever…
“Diamond DeShields Removed from WNBA After Brutal Foul on Caitlin Clark.” Following a brutal foul on Caitlin Clark, Diamond DeShields has been cut from the WNBA roster, marking a historic move towards greater player protection in women’s basketball.
BREAKING: The Caitlin Clark Effect – How One Brutal Foul Ended Diamond DeShields’ WNBA Career and Changed the League Forever…
“The WNBA Takes Action: Diamond DeShields Cut After Attack on Caitlin Clark.” Diamond DeShields is cut from the WNBA following a shocking attack on Caitlin Clark, sending a clear message about the league’s stance on protecting its players.
BREAKING: The Caitlin Clark Effect – How One Brutal Foul Ended Diamond DeShields’ WNBA Career and Changed the League Forever…
End of content
No more pages to load
