Kite confiscated after it makes contact with United Airlines plane near Washington, D.C.

WUSA9 reported that the pilot was heard on air traffic radio explaining the kite incident to air traffic control.

Published: March 30, 2025 1:02pm

A kite made contact with a passenger airplane as it flew close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Saturday afternoon, according to United Airlines.

United Flight 654 later landed in Houston safely.

WUSA9 reported that the pilot was heard on air traffic radio explaining the kite incident to air traffic control.

The outlet also reported that the incident doesn't appear connected to the National Cherry Blossom Festival's Blossom Kite Festival that took place on the National Mall near the Washington Monument on Saturday. 

Police had "briefly confiscated" the kite, given that it was flying in restricted airspace.

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