NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 28, 2026Miami-Dade
Federal investigators link White House construction to radio failures during Marine One takeoff
Federal investigators reported that ongoing construction at the White House caused radio interference that prevented air traffic controllers from receiving warnings about President Donald Trump's helicopter departure. This communication failure resulted in an airline jet being cleared for takeoff at the same time Marine One was departing earlier this month.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The incident highlights a breakdown in air traffic control communication protocols caused by physical infrastructure interference, impacting the safety of both presidential transport and commercial aviation.
Key Facts
- Ongoing White House construction caused radio problems for air traffic controllers.
- Controllers failed to hear warnings that President Trump's helicopter was preparing for takeoff.
- An airline jet was cleared for takeoff simultaneously with Marine One's departure.
- The incident occurred earlier this month.
- Federal investigators confirmed the link between the construction and the communication failure on Thursday.
Who's Mentioned
locationRonald Reagan Washington National Airport“Site of the air traffic control tower and incident”organizationEnvoy Air“Airline involved in the near-miss incident”locationWhite House“Site of construction causing radio interference”otherMarine One“Presidential helicopter”organizationNational Transportation Safety Board“Investigating the communication failure and near-miss incident”organizationFederal Aviation Administration“Responsible for air traffic control and radio infrastructure”personDonald Trump“President of the United States at the time of the incident”