On April 10, 2025, a surprising incident unfolded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) when the wingtip of an American Eagle plane struck another American Eagle aircraft, both operated by American Airlines. The collision occurred around 12:45 p.m. on a taxiway, as the planes prepared for their respective flights. Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ 900, was bound for Charleston International Airport in South Carolina, while Flight 4522, an Embraer E175, was headed to JFK International Airport in New York.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this incident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and American Airlines, both planes returned to their gates for inspection after the collision, which involved damage limited to the winglets of each aircraft. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that airport operations were not affected by the incident.
Among the passengers on the affected flight were several members of Congress, including Representatives Nick LaLota, R-New York; Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey; Grace Meng, D-New York; Ritchie Torres, D-New York; Gregory Meeks, D-New York; and Adriano Espaillat, D-New York. They took to social media to share their experiences following the incident. LaLota tweeted, "Serving in Congress has come with some once in a lifetime experiences... like just now while stationary on the runway at DCA, another plane just bumped into our wing. Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok!"
Gottheimer also expressed relief, stating, "While waiting to take off on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing. Thankfully, everyone is safe. Just a reminder: Recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety." Rep. Grace Meng echoed his sentiments, noting, "I’m grateful no one was hurt today, but this incident underscores this urgent need to restore all FAA jobs that keep our runways safe." The incident prompted discussions among lawmakers about the importance of maintaining adequate staffing levels at the FAA to ensure aviation safety.
This incident comes on the heels of heightened scrutiny surrounding aviation safety at DCA. Earlier this year, a tragic mid-air collision involving an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter resulted in the loss of all lives on board both aircraft. This tragic event raised alarms about safety protocols and operational oversight at the airport.
Following the latest incident, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine issued a statement emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. They remarked, "Thank God no one was hurt this time. We need a full investigation into this incident as soon as possible. We have said this over and over and hate having to say it again: when planes are taking off and landing every minute of the day, FAA funding is cut, air traffic controllers are fired, and current staff is spread thinner to cover more—that is when mistakes happen. The traveling public deserves action."
American Airlines reiterated its commitment to safety, stating, "Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience." The airline confirmed that both aircraft had been taken out of service for maintenance inspections following the incident. Passengers were assured that they would be accommodated on replacement flights to continue their journeys.
In light of the recent events, the FAA has announced that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the wingtip collision. The agency has faced criticism for staffing shortages and operational challenges in recent years, which have raised concerns about the safety of air travel. The incident has reignited discussions about the impact of budget cuts and staffing levels on aviation safety.
As the investigation unfolds, lawmakers and aviation officials are calling for a renewed focus on ensuring that the FAA is equipped to manage the demands of air traffic effectively. The need for adequate funding and staffing is paramount to maintaining the safety and security of all passengers in the skies.
In conclusion, while the incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport did not result in injuries, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilant safety measures in aviation. As Congress members and aviation authorities continue to address these pressing issues, the focus will remain on preventing future mishaps and ensuring the safety of air travel.
