Residents in Washington, DC, were left frightened after a large aircraft flew unusually low over their neighbourhoods on Thursday evening, prompting several people to call 911 fearing that a plane was about to crash. The aircraft, however, turned out to be Air Force One, which was conducting a surprise flyover as part of the White House’s Halloween celebrations.DC Fire was dispatched after concerned residents reported seeing a large jet flying at a low altitude over their homes. However, dispatchers informed callers that “Air Force One is on maneuvers”, according to emergency call audio first reported by Andrew Leyden.The flyover came just minutes after the White House shared a video of the aircraft on social media. “An epic Air Force One flyover at the White House for the trick-or-treaters!” the White House’s Rapid Response account posted.The video showed President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump waving from outside the White House as the presidential aircraft flew overhead. The couple was holding baskets of candy as they watched the plane pass.However, the surprise spectacle left several Washington residents alarmed rather than entertained, Daily Beast reported.One Milen Rodban also said she was caught off guard by the unexpected flyover and had “a mini heart attack along with everyone else on the street.”Even the DC City Council said it was startled by the manoeuvre, criticising the short notice given to people in the area.“This flyover provided just fifteen minutes’ notice to anyone in downtown DC, at the Pentagon, or at National Airport,” the council wrote on X. “It startled many, including us.”The Federal Aviation Administration told The Daily Beast that the flyover had been coordinated with the agency. An administration official also said the FAA’s notice followed established protocols to ensure public safety.The White House dismissed the criticism surrounding the flyover. “The FAA followed all necessary protocols to ensure the safety of Washington, DC residents,” White House spokesperson Allison Schuster said. “This flyover brought joy and excitement to all those celebrating Halloween at the White House and to many nearby who got to enjoy the spectacle. Once again, the left-wing media is trying to make a story out of nothing,” she added.Flight-tracking data showed that Air Force One flew at an altitude ranging from approximately 400 feet to 1,000 feet during the manoeuvre. Air traffic control audio from ATC.com also captured a conversation between a pilot and an air traffic controller about the flyover on Thursday evening.“How many more fly-bys is he doing?” a pilot asked, according to The Washington Post. “Hopefully that’s the last,” an air traffic controller responded.
