NORDO traffic violates airspace Blackjack-1 Scrambles From DCA

On Saturday, August 30, 2025, at approximately 12:34Z (8:34 a.m. local), a Rockwell Commander 112 (N1017T) departed Martinsburg heading east before turning south toward the Baltimore area, entering the Washington D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) without establishing communication with Potomac Approach.

Multiple air traffic controllers attempted to contact the aircraft on various frequencies, including Guard, and asked nearby aircraft to assist. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard launched "Blackjack-1," an MH-65 helicopter, from DCA to intercept the aircraft near College Park at the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) boundary.

Departures from DCA were briefly halted, and three inbound flights (DAL926, AAL3185, AAL949) were given go-arounds to clear airspace for Blackjack's departure. Contact with N1017T was eventually made on BWI Final (119.0), where the pilot was asked if they were disoriented and provided a phone number for a possible pilot deviation follow-up. The aircraft was then handed off to Martin State Airport and landed safely on Runway 33 at 12:50Z.

Blackjack-1 was stood down shortly after and returned to base.

Sources

• RadioReference: Mid-Atlantic MilAir report of the N1017T intercept
• FAA: Washington, D.C. SFRA guidance

Accident Facts

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