United Airlines Plane Struck by Kite While Landing at Reagan National Airport

The aircraft landed safely without damage or injuries, but the incident raises concerns about restricted airspace violations and aviation safety near the airport.

United Airlines Flight 654 from Houston landed safely at Reagan National Airport on March 29 after reportedly making contact with a kite near Gravelly Point.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police confiscated the kite, warned individuals about restricted airspace regulations, and later returned the kite without filing charges.
Witnesses reported seeing the kite hit the plane between the engine and fuselage, though the FAA stated it was not aware of the incident.
Kite-flying is prohibited at Gravelly Point due to the risks posed to low-flying aircraft, as reiterated by the MWAA following the event.
The incident has reignited broader concerns about aviation safety at Reagan National Airport, following recent near-misses and a fatal collision earlier this year.