Secret Service Denies Involvement in False TCAS Alerts

An investigation into the alerts remains ongoing.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, April 03, 2025 at 11:14 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport [Credit: Mark Stebnicki/Pexels]

Key Takeaways:

False Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts occurred near Reagan National Airport (KDCA) on March 1, prompting pilots to maneuver aircraft away from non-existent collision threats.
Sen. Ted Cruz attributed these false alerts to "improper" counter-drone technology testing by the Navy and Secret Service, though the Secret Service has denied any involvement.
The FAA is investigating the cause of these phantom warnings, which have raised significant air safety concerns, especially following a deadly midair collision and another recent close call near KDCA.

See a mistake? Contact us.

A slew of false Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts near Reagan National Airport (KDCA) in Washington, D.C., last month has garnered attention from lawmakers. Last week, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) blamed these March 1 alerts on the “improper” testing of counter-drone technology by the Navy and Secret Service.

Several flights reported these alerts while on the River Visual for Runway 19. One Republic Airways crew noted an onboard alert at roughly 1,200 feet, adding that “there was something diving straight onto us,” per air traffic control audio recordings. Another PSA crew said it received two traffic advisories, warning of a non-imminent collision.