Air Traffic Controller From First Lady Close Call Made Mistake Before

Andrews Air Force Base landing aborted in April

The air traffic controller responsible for a plane carrying Michelle Obama getting too close to a military cargo jet made the same mistake at least four times in the past, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

The first lady’s Boeing 737 got within 2.94 miles of the much larger 200-ton C17 in April. Regulations require five miles to avoid wake turbulence when the lead plane is significantly larger.

The first lady’s plane had to abort its landing at Andrews Air Force Base.

The air traffic controller was taken off the job but has since had training and is eligible to handle planes again.

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