Monday 8/11/25 - A power line inspection helo (c/s Horizon-7) operating at low level in MD between Gaithersburg and North Bethesda in the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and entering the inner Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), was apparently out of contact with Potomac Approach & DCA Tower, triggering a USCG 'Blackjack' MH35 air defense scramble from DCA at 1623Z (12:23pm local), which in turn required go-around of 2 flights on final approx 6 miles from DCA (RPA5762 and AAL1612) to facilitate expedited USCG departure to the North. Blackjack intercepted Horizon-7 about 11 miles West of BWI, BWI Final Approach established comms with the helicopter with possible pilot deviation.
1522Z - Bell 206 Jetranger reg N36MK c/s Horizon-7, conducting a low-level inspection of power lines departs Montgomery Country Airpark (advisory on KGAI CTAF 123.075), proceeding West and then South towards Leesburg area
1530Z - KIAD Departure (125.05) calls Horizon-7, no response audible on the feed
1550Z - Horizon-7 contacts tower at Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO 127.5) to complete inspection in that airspace, then departs back North into MD at 1555Z. Horizon-7 then flies SE following the power lines to the area of North Bethesda where it crossed into the FRZ and DCA airspace (Zone 7)
1607Z - KIAD Approach (MULLR 126.1) & KBWI Potomac Approach (DC ADIZ 132.775 & WOOLY 128.7) controllers call Horizon-7, later continuing calls around 1623Z during the scramble
1614Z - DCA Tower (Heli 121.275 - new freq) calls Horizon-7 twice after it entered FRZ / DCA airspace around North Bethesda (Zone 7)
1616Z - Horizon-7 heads back N/NE about 12nm from DCA and continues to operate East of Gaithersburg
1623Z - USCG Blackjack-1 scrambles to the North from DCA up to 1000-1500ft. Tower cancelled clearance for two flights on final for Rwy 19 (RPA5762 and AAL1612) and instructed go-arounds to create space for expedited departure.
1633Z - Blackjack-1 intercepts Horizon-7 about 11 miles West of BWI. BWI Final Approach (119.0) establishes contact with Horizon-7, provides phone numbers for possible pilot deviation, and hands Horizon-7 off to KRANT 125.65 (currently down on LiveATC).
Attached compilation from multiple frequencies, edited for content and time etc.
