The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively investigating a series of false mid-air collision alerts that occurred on March 1, 2025, affecting multiple commercial flights approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. These alerts, generated by the aircrafts' Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), indicated the presence of nearby aircraft when none were actually in proximity, leading to confusion among flight crews and causing at least three planes to perform go-arounds—maneuvers where pilots abort their landing approach to ensure safety. 
The FAA's investigation aims to determine the cause of these false TCAS alerts. Potential factors under consideration include radio frequency interference and system malfunctions. Notably, TCAS operates independently of ground-based air traffic control systems, relying on direct communication between aircraft to assess collision risks. 
This incident is particularly concerning as it comes just a month after a tragic mid-air collision on January 29, 2025, between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near the same airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. The proximity of these events has intensified scrutiny over aviation safety protocols in the area. 
In response to the recent fatal collision, the FAA has implemented several measures to enhance safety at Reagan National Airport. These include limiting helicopter traffic and modifying flight protocols to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents. The recent spate of false collision alerts underscores the need for continued vigilance and potential further adjustments to aviation safety systems. 
The investigation is ongoing, and the FAA has yet to release definitive findings regarding the source of the false alerts. Pilots and air traffic controllers have been advised to exercise heightened caution during flight operations in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport.