NTSB report links helipad relocation to near-miss with jet
The NTSB preliminary report says the temporary Ellipse site contributed to a Marine One incident where the helicopter came within a mile of a passenger jet. The helicopter's attempts to contact air traffic control failed due to communication issues. The report found inadequate line-of-sight for radio communications at the new site.
The NTSB report identifies the temporary helipad relocation as a contributing factor, noting that FAA engineers found insufficient line-of-sight for reliable radio transmissions between the new site and the control tower at Reagan Washington National Airport. The helicopter made two failed contact attempts at 2:31 p.m. on Aug. 4, with the second described as broken and unreadable, before a relay through Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling also failed.
The helipad was moved in July after the original White House location closed in May, reportedly due to construction of an arena for the UFC Freedom 250 fight. Prior radio checks at the new site with Marine Helicopter Squadron One had been successful, and the White House maintains the president was never in danger, expressing continued confidence in flight crews and security personnel.
This incident may raise public questions about the reliability of presidential transport protocols during temporary infrastructure changes. While no injuries occurred, the proximity of the two aircraft could prompt scrutiny of how security agencies coordinate airspace clearance during construction disruptions. The report may also influence future decisions about helipad placement and communication testing procedures, potentially affecting how the White House and military officials balance operational security with ongoing facility projects.