The possible miscommunication was “outrageous and inexcusable,” said Nancy Pelosi.
According to CBS News, the US Congress was evacuated yesterday after Capitol Police said they were “tracking an aircraft that poses a possible threat to the Capitol Complex.” Everyone dispersed a short time later when it was revealed to be a parachute demonstration, but the incident sparked widespread outrage. “The apparent failure of the Federal Aviation Administration to notify Capitol Police of the pre-planned flyover [at] Nationals Stadium is outrageous and inexcusable,” wrote House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The plane belonged to the Army Golden Knights, a parachuting team that was dropping parachutists into the stadium to commemorate Military Appreciation Day. According to The Washington Post, the pilot avoided flying over the restricted airspace over the Capitol Building and was coordinating with the control tower, but he may not have had proper clearance.
The FAA acknowledged the incident and promised an “expeditious” review. “We know our actions affect others, especially in our nation’s capital region, and we must communicate early and often with our law enforcement partners,” it said in a statement. The plane’s entire voyage was tracked by FlightRadar24 (above).
The incident demonstrates the level of coordination needed between FAA, law enforcement and other interested parties, particularly near restricted areas. As such, it may be an example of why the agency has been so careful in permitting passenger or delivery drones to operate in populated or sensitive areas. Such incidents are rare nowadays, but things could get chaotic with thousands of new drones plying the skies if the government doesn’t have a comprehensive plan.
