CHICAGO- A kite apparently hit United Airlines (UA) Flight 654 as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The flight from Houston (IAH) landed safely, with no damage reported to the aircraft.
Authorities temporarily confiscated the kite from Gravelly Point, where kite flying is prohibited due to low-flying aircraft. The incident, occurring on March 29, 2025, raised safety concerns due to prohibited kite flying at Gravelly Point.
United Flight Hit by Kite
On Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2025, a kite collided with United Airlines (UA) Flight 654 as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
The flight, originating from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), was descending when the kite struck between an engine and the fuselage.
United Airlines reported the Boeing 737-700 aircraft landed without issues at 4:17 PM, slightly delayed by 19 minutes. Post-landing inspection revealed no damage, and passengers disembarked normally.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department responded promptly, confiscating the kite from Gravelly Point, a park adjacent to DCA’s main runway. Kite flying is banned there due to the risk posed by low-flying aircraft.
Witnesses, including travel analyst Jamie Larounis, observed multiple kites in the air before the incident.
Larounis reported the kite climbed unusually high, intersecting the plane’s path. Police arrived with emergency lights, interviewed a family of three, and returned the kite shortly after with a warning but no penalties.
Gravelly Point, managed by the National Park Service, sits north of DCA and is a popular spot for plane watching.
However, its proximity to the runway makes kite flying illegal to ensure aviation safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces a nationwide ban on kites exceeding 500 feet near airports without prior approval and a notice to pilots.
No such notice existed for March 29, 2025, in the DCA area, confirming the activity violated regulations.
The incident coincided with the Blossom Kite Festival across the Potomac River at the National Mall, though organizers clarified no connection to Gravelly Point’s kite activity.
Police issued warnings to park-goers, emphasizing the restricted airspace rules.
Recent Incidents
This incident comes amid high concerns about aviation safety following multiple high-profile crashes and near misses this year.
On January 29, an American Airlines (AA) jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided near Reagan National, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft. Such incidents have led to increased scrutiny of airspace safety regulations.
Authorities continue to enforce strict compliance with FAA regulations to prevent unauthorized aerial activities near airports.
Gravelly Point remains a no-fly zone for kites, drones, and other airborne objects due to the risk posed to commercial aircraft operating in and out of DCA.
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