Story perspectives

FAA Probes Boeing 777 Skimming Runway at 25 Feet

6/27/2026

Summary

Jetran Low-Approach

FAA opened an investigation after a Boeing 777 plane flew within 25 feet of the ground at Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport in Texas on June 24, 2026.
The Jetran LLC aircraft in Qatar Airways livery performed a “low approach” pre-delivery test, with video and FlightRadar24 data confirming the wing skimmed the runway at roughly 25 feet.
Aviation analyst Steve Ganyard called the stunt dangerous “flat-hatting,” while Jetran LLC said it will cooperate with the FAA investigation.

Summary

Sumwalt Warns

Former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Robert Sumwalt warned that pilots could have their certifications suspended for the low-altitude maneuver.
Qatar Airways declined to comment and directed all inquiries to Jetran, the aircraft’s owner.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation may lead to enforcement actions beyond the current inquiry, according to aviation-law experts.
Industry analysts said the episode could prompt stricter guidelines for low-approach demonstrations during test flights.

Summary

777 Low-Pass

A 777-200LRMF that departed Grissom Aeroplex and landed at Fort Worth Alliance performed a low-pass over Horseshoe Bay.
A helicopter flew in loose formation near the 777 during the low-pass, adding airspace complexity.
Bob Allen, partner at Nomadic Aviation Group, said the ferry crew was unrelated to Nomadic and may face FAA scrutiny.
The video amassed hundreds of thousands of views, prompting industry criticism of low-pass safety standards.

History

Historical Context

In January 1982, Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac after a snow-laden takeoff, killing 74 people and prompting the NTSB and FAA to tighten de-icing and low-altitude procedures. The 2026 low-pass of a Boeing 777 by Jetran LLC in Qatar Airways livery over Horseshoe Bay has triggered a fresh FAA investigation, echoing the regulatory response first seen after the 1982 accident.

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Jetran Low-Approach

FAA opened an investigation after a Boeing 777 plane flew within 25 feet of the ground at Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport in Texas on June 24, 2026.
The Jetran LLC aircraft in Qatar Airways livery performed a “low approach” pre-delivery test, with video and FlightRadar24 data confirming the wing skimmed the runway at roughly 25 feet.
Aviation analyst Steve Ganyard called the stunt dangerous “flat-hatting,” while Jetran LLC said it will cooperate with the FAA investigation.

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