Trump’s Air Force One plane 'nearly struck by drone while President was on board as it approached a military airport'
AIR Force One was nearly hit by a drone while carrying President Trump and his family as it came in to land at a military airport on Sunday night, say reports.
A "cross-shaped device" was reportedly spotted off the right side of the jet by multiple passengers just before it touched down at 5.54pm at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
The White House Military Office and the Air Force’s 89th Airlift Wing said in a statement last night that they were “aware of the report” and “the matter is under review”.
A reporter on board tweeted he saw an object that looked like a drone and said the modified Boeing 757 flew "right over" it.
He added it came "remarkably close to the president's plane" as Trump returned to Washington from New Jersey.
The Air Force later noted the plane landed safely without incident and it is reported at no stage did a drone come into contact with the president's plane.
Donald, Melania and Barron were all flying on the modified Boeing, which is among the fleet known as Air Force One whenever the serving president is aboard.
The president was returning from a long weekend at his gold resort in Bedminster, New Jersey.
He had also visited his younger brother Robert Trump, who tragically passed away on Saturday night.
The Federal Aviation Administration receives thousands of worrying reports in which drones are seen flying too close to other aircraft or operating in restricted areas.
Under current federal rules they must not be flown higher than 400 feet above the ground without permission.
There have been multiple cases in which drones have hit aircraft, but none have resulted in a serious crash or injuries, according to National Transportation Safety Board data.
In 2017, a drone being flown illegally near New York City hit an Army helicopter according to the NTSB.
The impact damaged the helicopter, but it was able to land safely.
Air Force One is the ultimate symbol of the US President's power and authority.
The aircraft prominently bears the the American flag on its outside, making it instantly recognisable.
It is one of two specially modified Boeings which carry the US President.
They have been serving presidents since 1987 but the company has been looking after presidents for more than half a century.
The 4,000sq ft plane can act as a mobile command centre in the event of an attack on the United States.
Spread over three levels, it includes a Presidential suite with a large office and conference room.
A doctor, always on board, has access to a medical suite that can be used as an operating room.
The aircraft also boasts two food preparation galleys that can feed 100 people at a time.
It also has two kitchens, which can cater for 100 people at a time, and a shower.
The plane has 87 phones and a video-teleconference system so the president can address the nation on board.
It is outfitted with military technology and has classified communications gear and defenses in case it is attacked by a missile.
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