A Spirit Airlines flight nearly collided with Air Force One on Wednesday.
The close call occurred less than an hour after President Trump departed Washington, D.C.
Air Traffic Control Recording
An air traffic controller was heard yelling at the Spirit pilot.
The controller accused the pilot of being distracted by an iPad.
“Pay attention! Get off the iPad,” the controller shouted repeatedly.
AIR FORCE ONE and Spirit Airlines flt NK1300 got too close over Long Island, New York for Air Traffic Control and get’s yelled at including getting told “GET OFF THE IPAD”! 😂
Tip via @xJonNYC
Audio via @liveatc & Tracking via @ADSBex pic.twitter.com/sLJ0rip8sG— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) September 17, 2025
The pilot initially delayed acknowledging an order to change course.
Controllers instructed the Spirit flight to turn 20 degrees right.
The order was meant to avoid conflict with Air Force One.
The controller warned traffic was just eight miles off the wing.
Flight Paths
Spirit Airlines flight 1300 was en route from Fort Lauderdale to Boston.
The plane came within about 11 miles of Air Force One.
Flight radar data confirmed the distance was unusually close.
Controllers repeated every directive twice to ensure compliance.
The incident took place as both jets passed over Long Island.
Air Force One was heading to the United Kingdom with President Trump aboard.
Airline Response
Spirit Airlines later defended its pilot’s conduct.
A spokesperson said the pilot followed procedures and ATC instructions.
They insisted safety “is always our top priority.”
The flight continued to Boston and landed uneventfully.
The airline did not comment further on the controller’s outburst.
Trump’s Arrival
President Trump traveled to Windsor Castle after arriving in the UK.
He attended a state dinner with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Kate Middleton and Prince William joined the gathering.
The visit included a red carpet and military ceremony.
British officials called it the largest state event in recent history.
Security Concerns
More than 1,600 officers were deployed across London for the visit.
Some protesters projected Trump’s mugshot onto castle walls.
Officials pledged to safeguard both the ceremonies and the public.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed to reaffirm the U.K.-U.S. alliance.
The visit coincided with $42 billion in tech investments pledged to Britain.
