FAA Probing Slew of Erroneous Traffic Alerts

No other traffic was associated with the collision alerts, the agency said.

Aircraft landing at Reagan National Airport (Photo: Shutterstock | Ceri Breeze)

[ Airports ]March 3, 2025 4:44 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a multitude of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts near Reagan National Airport in Washington. Multiple aircraft from different air carriers reported the alerts Saturday while on the River Visual approach.

Despite these alerts, no other aircraft were detected nearby. Many aircraft received resolution advisories (RAs), directing the crew to maneuver away from a potential collision.

“Several flight crews inbound to Reagan Washington National Airport received onboard alerts Saturday indicating another aircraft was nearby when no other aircraft were in the area. Some of the crews executed go-arounds as a result of the alerts,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement. “The FAA is investigating why the alerts occurred.”

One Republic Airways crew reported an RA at around 1,200 feet, adding that “there was something diving straight onto us,” per air traffic control audio recordings. Another PSA Airlines crew said they got two traffic advisories (TA), which warn of a non-imminent collision.

Controllers continuously advised pilots that no conflicting traffic was detected on their radars. The D.C. airport is facing arrival rate caps and ground stops following January’s mid-air collision involving a CRJ-700 and Black Hawk helicopter.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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