Two Delta Air Lines regional jets collided on the taxiway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, causing one person to get injured, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The incident involved CRJ-900 regional jets operated by regional carrier Endeavor Air, a subsidiary of Delta. Flight 5047 from Charlotte, North Carolina, had just arrived, while flight 5155, destined for Roanoke, Virginia, collided with the nose of the parked aircraft.
In the audio recording from LiveATC.net, the pilot of flight 5047 can be heard reporting the collision to the ground controller, stating that their nose and cockpit windows were hit by the right wing of the other plane. The collision led to one flight attendant sustaining a knee injury. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported, and only one person required hospitalization following the incident.
Delta Air Lines swiftly issued a statement expressing regret for the situation and promising cooperation with relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the collision. The airline emphasized the safety of its customers and staff as a top priority. Passengers from the affected flights were safely transferred to the terminal and provided with accommodations and meals.
The Port Authority confirmed that the incident did not disrupt airport operations. CNN reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration for comment, but due to the government shutdown at the time, an immediate response was uncertain. Diego Mendoza from CNN contributed to the initial report.
Shortly after the collision, Newsweek reported passenger accounts of the incident, with witness Joey Annunziato describing the moment when their plane was struck by the other Delta flight. The impact caused passengers to jolt forward in their seats, creating a brief moment of chaos. CBS News footage revealed one of the aircraft missing a wing following the collision. Delta Air Lines was contacted by Newsweek for further comments after the incident.
This collision adds to a series of close calls or actual collisions involving passenger aircraft in recent times. The interaction between Flight 5155 and Flight 5047 adds to the list of aviation incidents that have raised concerns about safety protocols and operational procedures in busy airports like LaGuardia. Jet accidents, whether in the air or on the ground, underscore the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation operations.
The National Transportation Safety Board cNTSBc is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision at LaGuardia Airport. Delta Air Lines has stated its readiness to fully cooperate with the Port Authority, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the NTSB to ensure a comprehensive review of the incident.
As details emerge and investigations progress, the aviation industry will be closely monitoring the findings and recommendations that may arise from this incident. It serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to maintain aviation safety standards and prevent potentially catastrophic events, highlighting the need for ongoing training, communication protocols, and operational oversight in the busy airspace of major airports like LaGuardia.
