United Airlines kite collision incident: On Saturday, March 29, 2025, a United Airlines flight encountered an unusual hazard while landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia.
United flight UA654, a Boeing 737 arriving from Houston, collided with a kite as it approached the runway.
The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, surprised onlookers but fortunately caused no damage or injuries.
Witnesses See Kite Strike
Witnesses at Gravelly Point, a nearby park popular with plane spotters, saw the kite strike the aircraft. They reported it hit between the fuselage and an engine during the flight’s final descent.
Despite the collision, the flight landed safely. Passengers disembarked as usual, unaware of the midair encounter.
United Airlines quickly responded, stating, “The aircraft was inspected after landing and found to have no damage. We’re grateful for the crew’s professionalism in ensuring a safe arrival.”
Kite Flying from Gravelly Point
The kite-flying took place at Gravelly Point, where such activities are banned. The park sits close to DCA’s runways, and low-flying aircraft will often pass overhead.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) police investigated the incident. They confiscated the kite but returned it to its owner without pressing charges. Authorities reminded the public that kite-flying near airports poses serious risks to aviation safety.
This event adds to recent safety concerns at Reagan National Airport. In January 2025, a tragic midair collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter claimed 67 lives.
Just a day before the United Airlines kite incident, a Delta flight narrowly avoided a USAF military jet on the same runway. These incidents have sparked debates about the airport’s location and airspace management.
Conclusion
Experts say kite collisions such as this are rare but are nevertheless potentially dangerous. A kite tangled in an engine could disrupt a landing, though modern aircraft are built to withstand minor impacts.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may review this case to strengthen safety measures.
For now, flight 654’s safe landing provides a small measure of relief amid growing scrutiny of DCA’s operations. United Airlines praised its crew, and passengers continued their journeys unaware of the close call above.
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