Latest news with #MelanieAlnwick
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Investigation continues after close call at Reagan National Airport
The Brief FAA investigates a near-miss at Reagan National Airport. Passengers express mixed reactions, with overall confidence in airline safety. Separate incident highlights safety measures, as a kite tangled with a United Airlines jet on landing. WASHINGTON - Federal aviation officials are investigating a near-miss incident involving a commercial jet and military aircraft near Reagan National Airport on Friday afternoon. FOX 5's Melanie Alnwick reports that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines a near-miss as planes coming within 500 feet of each other. Preliminary reports indicate that a Delta flight bound for Minneapolis had just taken off from Reagan National when pilots received a collision alert warning. At the same time, four Air Force T-38 jets were en route to a flyover at Arlington National Cemetery. What we know Both aircraft were given corrective instructions, according to the FAA. Air traffic control dispatches suggest that the Air Force jets passed approximately 500 feet below the Delta plane. The incident comes just two months after a tragic mid-air collision that claimed the lives of 67 people, heightening concerns about aviation safety. READ MORE: Close call at Reagan National Airport between military and passenger jet remains under investigation Alnwick spoke with passengers at the airport ho expressed mixed emotions about the close call but overall confidence in airline safety. READ MORE: Close call at Reagan National Airport between military and passenger jet remains under investigation What they're saying "I think it's pretty safe," said Tom Campbell, a passenger flying to North Carolina. "It's worse out on the streets in cars, so I'm fine." Heather Sharma, a passenger bound for Nevada, added, "I'm pretty sure that the airlines hire pilots, and crew, and air traffic controllers that understand what they're doing or know what they're doing, so I just put faith in the airline." Separately, a kite tangled with a United Airlines jet on approach for landing at Reagan National on Saturday afternoon. United confirmed the aircraft landed safely, with no damage reported. While kites are prohibited at Gravelly Point Park, police confiscated the kite briefly before returning it to its owner. No charges were filed. The FAA has implemented changes at Reagan National Airport, including restricting helicopter flights and requiring ground stops when Marine One, the President's helicopter, is nearby. The Source FOX 5 DC
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Crews contain large brush fire sparked by strong winds in Gaithersburg
The Brief A brush fire in Gaithersburg, fueled by 35 mph winds, was contained without threatening homes. 45 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze near Bell Bluff Road. The area was under a Red Flag Warning due to wildfire-prone conditions. GAITHERSBURG, Md. - A massive brush fire in Montgomery County caused tense moments for nearby residents but was successfully contained Wednesday evening. What we know FOX 5's Melanie Alnwick says the blaze, fueled by wind gusts of up to 35 mph, broke out in Great Seneca Valley Stream Park and prompted temporary evacuations. The D.C. region was under a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service due to dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds -- a combination that creates a high risk for wildfires. Around 3:55 p.m., the fire ignited and quickly spread across the park near Bell Bluff Road. Fire crews acted swiftly, setting up hoses and trucks along the perimeter to contain the flames. Approximately 45 firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze. READ MORE: Massive brush fire breaks out in Gaithersburg park amid red flag warning Although the fire stayed within the park boundaries and no homes were threatened, nearby residents experienced moments of anxiety. Neighbors gathered belongings and prepared for evacuation as a precaution. FOX 5 spoke with one nearby resident who followed the recommended safety guidelines during the Red Flag Warning: calling 911 immediately upon spotting the fire, having an evacuation plan, and avoiding open flames and smoking materials. The Source FOX 5 DC
