United Airlines Flight Struck by Kite Near Washington, D.C.
Kite Incident Involves United Airlines Flight 654 Near Washington D.C.
On March 29, 2025, a United Airlines (UA) flight encountered an unusual safety scare when a kite collided with Flight 654 as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The flight, which originated from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, landed safely, with no damage reported to the aircraft. This incident raises significant safety concerns regarding kite flying near airports, especially in restricted areas like Gravelly Point.
United Airlines Flight 654 Encounter with a Kite
The incident occurred on a Saturday afternoon when the Boeing 737-700 was descending toward DCA. As the aircraft flew at low altitude, a kite struck the plane between the engine and the fuselage. Despite the unexpected encounter, United Airlines reported that the flight landed at 4:17 PM, only slightly delayed by 19 minutes. A thorough post-landing inspection confirmed no damage, allowing passengers to disembark without issues.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department acted swiftly, confiscating the kite from Gravelly Point, a park known for its proximity to the airport’s main runway. Kite flying is strictly prohibited in this area due to the potential hazards it poses to low-flying aircraft.
Witness Accounts and Safety Regulations
Witnesses, including travel analyst Jamie Larounis, reported seeing multiple kites in the air prior to the incident. Larounis noted that one kite ascended unusually high, ultimately intersecting the flight path of Flight 654. Emergency responders arrived promptly, interviewing park-goers and issuing warnings without imposing penalties.
Gravelly Point, managed by the National Park Service, is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts. However, its location near the runway enforces strict regulations against kite flying and other airborne activities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains a nationwide ban on kites flying above 500 feet near airports unless prior approval and a notification to pilots are obtained. In this case, no such notice existed for the DCA area on the day of the incident.
Interestingly, this event coincided with the Blossom Kite Festival taking place across the Potomac River at the National Mall, although organizers clarified that there was no direct link between the festival and the kite activity at Gravelly Point.
Recent Aviation Safety Concerns
This kite incident occurs during a period of heightened concern over aviation safety, following several high-profile crashes and near-misses this year. For example, a tragic incident on January 29 involved an American Airlines jet colliding with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National, resulting in the loss of all 67 lives aboard both aircraft.
As a result, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure 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 to protect the safety of commercial aircraft operating in and out of DCA.
In conclusion, incidents like the one involving United Airlines Flight 654 underscore the importance of adhering to aviation safety regulations. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on this incident and stay informed about related safety measures in our upcoming articles. For more on aviation safety, check out FAA’s guidelines and our previous article on airspace regulations.
