United Flight Hits Kite Near Reagan Airport

A United Airlines flight from Houston to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. had a close call when a kite flying near Gravelly Point made contact with the aircraft. The aircraft, Flight 654, landed safely, and no damage or injuries were reported. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police confiscated the kite, which was flown in restricted airspace due to the danger posed to low-flying planes. Gravelly Point is a popular park near the airport where kite flying is prohibited, yet witnesses reported seeing multiple kites in the area. This incident follows recent aviation safety concerns at the same airport, including a deadly collision in January involving an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter. Despite the scare, no charges were filed against the kite flyers, and the kite was returned to its owner.