On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Reagan International Airport witnessed yet another alarming incident when a taxiing jet struck a parked plane on the runway. This collision occurred just months after a tragic mid-air disaster that claimed the lives of 67 people, raising serious concerns about aviation safety at the airport.
Several members of Congress were on board the planes involved in the collision, including New York Congressman Nick LaLota, who shared details of the incident on social media. In a post on X, LaLota wrote, "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!" His lighthearted tone was a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the wingtip of American Airlines Flight 5490 struck American Airlines Flight 4522 on a taxiway at approximately 12:45 p.m. local time. Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ 900, was scheduled to fly to Charleston, South Carolina, while Flight 4522, an Embraer E175, was bound for JFK International Airport in New York.
American Airlines responded to the incident by stating, "Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience." Both planes were taken out of service and inspected for damage, which was reported to be limited to the winglets of each aircraft. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew.
Among the congressional representatives on board was New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who also took to social media to express his relief. He noted, "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." His comments pointed to ongoing concerns regarding budget cuts to the FAA and their potential impact on aviation safety.
Congresswoman Grace Meng, who was also on the flight, added a touch of humor to the situation, mentioning that she was handing out grapes to fellow passengers as they awaited further instructions. She remarked, "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." Meng's comments reflect a growing concern among lawmakers about the state of air travel safety.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority stated that both planes returned to their gates after the collision and that airport operations were not significantly impacted. However, the incident comes at a time when scrutiny of Reagan International Airport's safety measures is intensifying. Just months prior, the airport was the scene of a catastrophic mid-air collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the loss of all 67 lives on board.
In addition to the January crash, other near-misses have also plagued the airport. Just last week, a Delta flight had a close call with a U.S. Air Force jet, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by air traffic control at Reagan. Reports have surfaced regarding tensions among air traffic controllers, including a physical altercation in the control tower, which raises further questions about operational safety.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who was also on the flight, expressed his concerns regarding the rising number of aviation mishaps. He stated, "Aviation mishaps are at an all-time high, and the Trump administration’s reckless decision to fire FAA control staff has put us all in danger. We are thankful that no one was injured and that a catastrophe was avoided." This sentiment was echoed by several other lawmakers who were present during the incident.
In light of these events, Congressman LaLota's office indicated that he intends to use this firsthand experience to advocate for stronger aviation oversight and enhanced public safety measures in Congress. The need for such reforms has never been more pressing, as the aviation industry grapples with a series of safety incidents that have raised alarm among lawmakers and the public alike.
As the investigation into the latest incident continues, the FAA has pledged to review the circumstances surrounding the collision. The agency's commitment to ensuring safety in the skies remains paramount, especially as the aviation industry faces increasing scrutiny over its operational practices.
While the immediate aftermath of this incident did not result in injuries, the broader implications for air travel safety are significant. With lawmakers calling for increased FAA funding and staffing, the future of aviation safety at Reagan International Airport—and across the nation—hangs in the balance.
The ongoing challenges faced by the aviation industry, particularly at Reagan, have sparked discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms. As Congress continues to debate the future of FAA funding and staffing, the safety of passengers and crew remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.
In conclusion, the collision at Reagan International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the aviation industry today. With recent tragedies still fresh in the minds of many, the call for enhanced safety measures and oversight has never been more urgent.
