In a shocking incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on April 10, 2025, two American Airlines jets collided on the ground, causing a stir just three months after a deadly crash near the same location. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in the collision, which involved a minor wingtip strike between two stationary planes.
The collision occurred around 12:45 PM local time when one jet, an American Airlines Flight 5490, was stationary on the taxiway, preparing to depart. Its wingtip struck another plane, Flight 4522, which was also taxiing at the time. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the two planes were positioned near each other on the runway when the wingtip of Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ 900, made contact with Flight 4522, an Embraer E175. Flight 5490 was headed to Charleston International Airport in South Carolina, while Flight 4522 was scheduled for JFK International Airport in New York.
Both planes were carrying passengers, with 76 customers on Flight 5490 and 67 customers aboard Flight 4522. In addition to the passengers, several prominent lawmakers were on board one of the jets. Among them were Nick LaLota, a Republican from New York, and Grace Meng, a Democratic representative from New York. Other members of Congress on the flight included Gregory Meeks, Josh Gottheimer, Adriano Espaillat, and Ritchie Torres, all Democrats.
Nick LaLota took to social media to share the unsettling experience, saying, “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.” He continued, “Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok.”
LaLota’s colleague, Grace Meng, who was also aboard the aircraft, expressed relief, writing on social media, “I’m grateful no one was hurt today.” Meng added that she had been handing out grapes to passengers when the incident occurred. Fortunately, the situation was quickly under control, and both planes were able to return to the terminal without incident.
According to an official statement from the FAA, the collision did not impact flight operations, and both aircraft were able to taxi back to their gates safely. The FAA confirmed that the aircraft were taken out of service for inspection, but no injuries were reported.
American Airlines, the carrier involved in the incident, released a statement emphasizing that “safety is our top priority” and apologized to the passengers for the experience. The airline confirmed that the damage from the collision was minimal, with the winglets on both planes sustaining damage. The planes were inspected by the airline’s maintenance teams.
American Airlines also assured passengers that despite the incident, their safety protocols had been followed, and both flights had safely returned to the gates. The airline’s quick response helped ease concerns from passengers, and the focus now remains on understanding what led to the collision on the taxiway.
The FAA has confirmed that an investigation into the collision is ongoing. Meanwhile, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport stated that there were no delays or impacts on flight operations, as the incident was contained to the ground.
This latest collision comes just months after a tragic event near the same airport. On January 29, 2025, sixty-seven people died when a Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jetliner as it was landing at Reagan National Airport. The crash sent shockwaves through the aviation community, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been looking into the crash, and while the exact cause remains unknown, a preliminary report has suggested that certain helicopter operations near the airport may need to be restricted to prevent future accidents. The tragic midair collision has led to serious concerns about air traffic management in the region, especially in a busy airspace like that surrounding the Washington, D.C. area.
The fact that another incident occurred just three months later, even though it was not as severe, has raised concerns about safety measures and the coordination between air traffic controllers and ground operations at busy airports like Reagan National. Experts have pointed out that while the planes involved in this latest incident were not in flight when the collision occurred, it’s still a cause for concern, especially given the airport’s proximity to both Capitol Hill and other high-traffic locations.
The involvement of several lawmakers in the latest incident has once again brought attention to the safety of air travel. Nick LaLota and Grace Meng, in particular, have used their platforms to advocate for a quick resolution to the incident, and their voices are likely to add weight to ongoing discussions about improving aviation safety standards.
Lawmakers have already begun to question whether more stringent regulations are needed to ensure such incidents do not occur again. The safety of air travel, especially in high-profile locations like Washington, D.C., is an ongoing concern for those who rely on airports like Reagan National, which services not only local and international flights but also government officials and military personnel.
While the immediate impact of the collision was minimal, aviation safety experts have called for a reevaluation of air traffic management systems at airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National. Airports in major metropolitan areas, especially those near important government buildings and military installations, face significant challenges when it comes to coordinating traffic and preventing collisions.
Experts argue that investments in better ground control systems and improved communication between pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground crews could help reduce the likelihood of incidents like the one that occurred on Thursday. Additionally, stronger safety measures and regular training exercises for airport staff are essential for maintaining public confidence in the safety of air travel.
