Wingtip Collision at Reagan Nationwide Airport: FAA Investigates as Lawmakers Report No Accidents
Washington, D.C. – April 10, 2025, 11:56 AM PDT – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a taxiway incident at Ronald Reagan Washington Nationwide Airport (DCA) right now, the place the wingtip of 1 American Airways aircraft struck one other, briefly rattling passengers—together with a number of U.S. Congress members—aboard the stationary plane. The collision, reported at roughly 12:45 PM EDT (9:45 AM PDT), concerned two regional jets, with no accidents reported, although it underscores ongoing security issues at one of many nation’s busiest airports.
In accordance with the FAA, American Airways Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ 900 sure for Charleston, South Carolina, clipped the wing of American Airways Flight 4522, an Embraer E175 headed to New York’s JFK Worldwide Airport, whereas each have been maneuvering on a taxiway. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), aboard Flight 4522, posted on X at 11:01 AM PDT, “Serving in Congress has include some once-in-a-lifetime experiences… like simply now whereas stationary on the runway at DCA, one other aircraft ran into our wing.” He famous the aircraft returned to the gate, including, “Fortunately everyone seems to be okay!” Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), additionally on the flight, advised ABC Information Reside, “The aircraft shook violently… it was fairly clear we acquired hit,” describing the pilot’s announcement that they have been heading again to the terminal.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that each plane returned to gates for inspection, and airport operations have been unaffected—a distinction to January’s deadly midair collision at DCA that killed 67 when an American Airways jet hit an Military helicopter. No such severity marked right now’s incident, with the FAA and American Airways coordinating to evaluate harm and guarantee security. Posts on X from @MarielCarbone of DC Information Now captured the scene, noting the wingtip strike because it unfolded, whereas @TheyCallMeNans amplified LaLota’s account.
The incident reignites debate over DCA’s capability and security protocols, particularly after latest near-misses and a January crash that prompted runway closures and helicopter restrictions. Gottheimer known as it “deeply regarding,” urging, “This isn’t a time to be reducing the FAA’s jobs after they’re understaffed already.” Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a vocal critic of including flights to DCA’s congested schedule, may even see this as additional proof of pressure, although right now’s occasion seems extra logistical than systemic.
Because the FAA probes the taxiway mishap—its second notable DCA investigation this yr—Trump’s tariff pause dominates broader headlines, however for passengers like LaLota and Gottheimer, the main focus is nearer to dwelling: a wingtip scrape that shook their day however spared them hurt. Extra particulars on the trigger and subsequent steps are anticipated as inspections conclude.
This text displays the incident as reported in search outcomes (e.g., Net IDs 0, 1, 5, 11) and X posts (e.g., @TheyCallMeNans, @MarielCarbone), aligning with the present time, 11:56 AM PDT, April 10, 2025. It avoids hypothesis past out there knowledge and ties in related context. Let me know in the event you’d like a distinct angle!
