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United flight from Houston appeared to hit a kite near Washington National Airport
United flight from Houston appeared to hit a kite near Reagan National Airport
CBS News
March 30, 2025, 6:19 AM
A United Airlines flight from Houston appeared to have struck a kite while landing at Reagan National Airport Saturday.
The pilots reported the kite flying over Gravelly Point, a park just off the runway along the banks of the Potomac River on the Virginia side, according to Air Traffic Control audio. Flying kites there is prohibited because of its proximity to landing aircraft.
“It was over the park, about 100 feet over the ground, it looks like it’s right on the flight path,” pilots said.
Flight 654, a Boeing 737, landed safely with 126 passengers and five crew on board around 4 p.m. EDT, according to United.
“We are aware of reports that a kite struck UA flight 654 from Houston to Regan Airport in Washington D.C.,” United Airlines said in a statement to CBS News. “The aircraft landed safely, customers deplaned normally and upon inspection there was no damage to the aircraft.”
Witnesses enjoying a warm day at the park also reported watching the United flight coming in contact with the kite, CBS affiliate WUSA9 reported.
{snip}
CBS News
March 30, 2025, 6:19 AM
A United Airlines flight from Houston appeared to have struck a kite while landing at Reagan National Airport Saturday.
The pilots reported the kite flying over Gravelly Point, a park just off the runway along the banks of the Potomac River on the Virginia side, according to Air Traffic Control audio. Flying kites there is prohibited because of its proximity to landing aircraft.
“It was over the park, about 100 feet over the ground, it looks like it’s right on the flight path,” pilots said.
Flight 654, a Boeing 737, landed safely with 126 passengers and five crew on board around 4 p.m. EDT, according to United.
“We are aware of reports that a kite struck UA flight 654 from Houston to Regan Airport in Washington D.C.,” United Airlines said in a statement to CBS News. “The aircraft landed safely, customers deplaned normally and upon inspection there was no damage to the aircraft.”
Witnesses enjoying a warm day at the park also reported watching the United flight coming in contact with the kite, CBS affiliate WUSA9 reported.
{snip}