{"id":88373,"date":"2025-03-30T20:54:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T15:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=88373"},"modified":"2025-04-01T21:18:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T15:48:43","slug":"united-airlines-flight-hit-by-kite-near-washington-dc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/30\/united-airlines-flight-hit-by-kite-near-washington-dc\/","title":{"rendered":"United Airlines Flight Hit by Kite Near Washington DC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHICAGO-<\/strong> A kite apparently hit United Airlines (UA)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United Flight Hit by Kite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2025, a kite collided with United Airlines (UA) Flight 654 as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight, originating from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)<\/a>, was descending when the kite struck between an engine and the fuselage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Airlines reported the Boeing 737-700<\/a> aircraft landed without issues at 4:17 PM, slightly delayed by 19 minutes. Post-landing inspection revealed no damage, and passengers disembarked normally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department responded promptly, confiscating the kite from Gravelly Point, a park adjacent to DCA\u2019s main runway. Kite flying is banned there due to the risk posed by low-flying aircraft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Witnesses, including travel analyst Jamie Larounis, observed multiple kites in the air before the incident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Larounis reported the kite climbed unusually high, intersecting the plane\u2019s path. Police arrived with emergency lights, interviewed a family of three, and returned the kite shortly after with a warning but no penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gravelly Point, managed by the National Park Service, sits north of DCA and is a popular spot for plane watching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, its proximity to the runway makes kite flying illegal to ensure aviation safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)<\/a> enforces a nationwide ban on kites exceeding 500 feet near airports without prior approval and a notice to pilots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

No such notice existed for March 29, 2025, in the DCA area, confirming the activity violated regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident coincided with the Blossom Kite Festival across the Potomac River at the National Mall, though organizers clarified no connection to Gravelly Point\u2019s kite activity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Police issued warnings to park-goers, emphasizing the restricted airspace rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: By \u00a9 Raimond Spekking \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=36767130<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Recent Incidents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This incident comes amid high concerns about aviation safety following multiple high-profile crashes and near misses this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On January 29, an American Airlines (AA)<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities continue to enforce strict compliance with FAA regulations to prevent unauthorized aerial activities near airports. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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