A United Airlines flight from Houston made headlines Saturday after reportedly hitting a kite while landing at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C.
Kite Spotted in Flight Path
Pilots of Flight 654, a Boeing 737, noticed the kite as they approached the runway around 4 p.m. They reported it flying about 100 feet above the ground, directly over Gravelly Point Park, just off the Potomac River on the Virginia side.
“It was over the park, about 100 feet over the ground. It looks like it’s right on the flight path,” the pilot said in an air traffic control transmission.
Flying kites in that area is illegal due to the proximity to low-flying aircraft. Despite that, several witnesses saw the kite airborne just as the plane approached.
Flight Lands Safely After Kite Incident
Flight 654 was carrying 126 passengers and five crew members. United Airlines confirmed the plane landed safely and that no one on board was injured.
“We are aware of reports that a kite struck UA flight 654 from Houston to Reagan Airport,” United said in a statement to CBS News. “The aircraft landed safely, customers deplaned normally, and no damage was found after inspection.”
Witnesses enjoying a sunny day at the park also claimed to see the incident unfold.
Eyewitnesses Saw Contact
“There was a kite that looked a little higher than it should be,” said Dylan Oakes, a former flight attendant and local news producer who was at the scene. “We thought maybe it was just the angle. But as the plane got closer, it came into contact with the kite.”
This statement, shared with CBS affiliate WUSA9, confirmed what many feared: a direct mid-air encounter between the commercial jet and a recreational kite.
Police Confiscate Kite at Scene
Officers from the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority quickly responded to the scene at Gravelly Point. The kite was located and confiscated. However, no charges were filed, and the kite was later returned to its owner.
“Airports Authority police officers responded to reports of kite-flying at Gravelly Point, an activity which is not allowed in that area due to the danger to low-flying aircraft,” said a spokesperson for Reagan National.
The Federal Aviation Administration has been contacted for additional comment, but no official statement has been released yet.
Close Call Adds to Ongoing Safety Concerns
This isn’t the first time safety at Reagan National has come under scrutiny. Just 24 hours before the kite incident, a Delta flight received a collision warning due to a military aircraft flying too close.
In January, a devastating midair collision near the airport killed 67 people when a Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines jet. Since then, the National Transportation Safety Board has called for significant changes.
Safety Board Pushes for New Rules
The NTSB urged officials to ban helicopter activity along the route used when runways 15 and 33 are active. These routes are especially risky for planes landing at low altitudes — like Flight 654.
Experts say incidents like the “plane hits kite” event highlight the need for stricter enforcement around Reagan’s airspace. Although this time no one was hurt, the potential for disaster was real.
A Harmless Toy, a Serious Risk
Kites may seem harmless, but in sensitive areas like Gravelly Point, they can become dangerous projectiles. Planes approach Reagan National at low altitudes, giving pilots little time to react.
A kite tangled in an engine or hitting a windshield could cause major damage. The fact that United Flight 654 landed without incident is being seen as a lucky outcome.
Airport authorities are now reminding visitors that kite flying, drones, or anything airborne near the flight path is not just illegal — it’s dangerous.
Ongoing Investigation Expected
While no formal investigation has been announced yet, aviation analysts expect more scrutiny in the coming days. With heightened attention on air traffic safety at Reagan, officials may re-evaluate policies around Gravelly Point.
For now, the message is clear: keep the skies clear. Saturday’s “plane hits kite” incident could have been worse — and everyone knows it.
