Radio Silence from Spirit Airlines Flight NKS2442 Near Washington, D.C. Sparks Military Response

Spirit Airlines Flight NKS2442, an Airbus A320 en route from Milwaukee to Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), experienced a brief but serious communication failure with air traffic control on Friday, June 13, 2025, prompting a swift military response near the National Capital Region.

The aircraft lost radio contact at approximately 11:07 a.m. Eastern Time while descending through 10,000 feet near Frederick, Maryland. The flight crew failed to complete the standard frequency handoff from Washington Center to Potomac TRACON, triggering multiple unsuccessful attempts by controllers to reestablish communication.
Military Response Initiated

Due to the aircraft’s proximity to sensitive airspace over Washington, D.C., a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, callsign Blackjack-1, launched an active air defense mission. The helicopter contacted Washington National Airport Tower at 11:07 a.m. and reported its position 27 miles north of the city center, preparing to intercept the unidentified aircraft if necessary.

The three-minute radio blackout occurred in one of the most tightly controlled airspaces in the United States, where any unresponsive aircraft is treated as a potential security threat.
Communication Restored and Threat Resolved

At 11:10 a.m., Flight NKS2442 reestablished contact on the correct frequency, received clearance to continue its approach, and was handed off to BWI Final Approach. Within seconds, Blackjack-1 stood down and resumed normal patrol duties.

The incident concluded without incident, and the flight landed safely at BWI. The episode underscores the robust air defense protocols in place to protect Washington’s airspace and the seamless coordination between civilian and military aviation authorities.


Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=Spirit+Airlines, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/safety/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, aviationa2z.com