Faulty Comms Preceded Marine One/Envoy Close Call | Aviation International News

Faulty Comms Preceded Marine One/Envoy Close Call

Aircraft remained within separation guidance but neared each other after the presidential helicopter was unable to alert ATC

The White House — © AdobeStock

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

August 31, 2026

The NTSB is focusing on communication issues involving Marine One—VM1, a Sikorsky VH-3D—which lifted off from a temporary location while construction was ongoing at the White House in the August 4 close call with an Envoy Air Embraer ERJ 170-200 LR (E175) departing Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA).

According to the NTSB preliminary report, the aircraft came within 0.82 nm laterally and 700 feet vertically—which was still within guidance of either 1.5 nm laterally or 500 feet vertically—at about 2:34 p.m. local time, roughly two miles north of KDCA. Both flights continued without further incident.

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