The FAA is investigating how a commercial flight was cleared to take off while Marine One was approaching Reagan National, a scenario that appears to breach safety procedures established after last year’s midair collision.

The White House and Marine Corps defended the actions, saying the President was never in danger and that Marine One pilots and air traffic control provided appropriate traffic information, with no close calls reported.

There was a momentary loss of separation during the interaction, but the FAA said air traffic control maintained communication with both aircraft throughout.

Investigators will review airspace logistics, communication procedures, and clearance compliance to determine contributing factors and necessary corrective actions.

The NTSB is still gathering information on the Marine One incident and has not decided whether to open a formal investigation.

The NTSB has not announced a decision on launching its own investigation into the incident.

There were reports that controllers were slow to respond or unresponsive, and one transmission was unreadable.

The story relies on Reuters and The Wall Street Journal for the sequence of events and statements, noting there were no close calls.

Families of victims from last year’s crash are pressuring Congress to pass NTSB-recommended aviation safety reforms, amid ongoing scrutiny of safety in Reagan National’s airspace.

The investigation centers on procedural adherence rather than a near-miss, with potential implications for future policies around Marine One movements.

The FAA and White House were contacted for comment, with The Wall Street Journal’s reporting forming the basis of the current review.

Early indications suggest minimum separation may not have been fully maintained, though officials say there was no immediate danger.