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On a Wednesday evening in New York, LaGuardia Airport experienced an unexpected incident involving two regional jets operated by Delta Air Lines. One aircraft’s wing struck the cockpit area of another, resulting in a low-speed collision on the taxiway.
The aircraft involved were both CRJ-900 regional jets, managed by the regional airline Endeavor Air. The first jet, designated as Flight 5047, had just arrived from Charlotte, North Carolina, while the second, Flight 5155, was preparing for departure to Roanoke, Virginia.
In an unexpected turn, the wing of Flight 5155 made contact with the nose of Flight 5047.
Details of the incident
According to communication captured by LiveATC.net, the pilot of Flight 5047 promptly informed the ground controller about the collision.
“We have two CRJs on taxiway M that collided,” he reported, detailing how their right wing had clipped the nose and cockpit windows of their aircraft.
Injuries and passenger impact
Following the collision, it was revealed that one flight attendant on Flight 5155 sustained a knee injury.
Fortunately, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees the airport’s operations, confirmed that only one person was transported to a medical facility for treatment, with no other serious injuries reported.
Delta Air Lines reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, stating, “We will collaborate with all relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding this event.
The safety of our customers and crew is our top priority, and we sincerely apologize for any distress this incident may have caused.”
Passenger accommodations and operational impact
At the time of the collision, Flight 5047 was carrying 57 passengers, while Flight 5155 had 28 individuals on board.
Following the incident, passengers were transported to the terminal via bus and provided with hotel accommodations and meal options as a courtesy for the inconvenience.
Despite the collision, the Port Authority assured that airport operations continued without significant disruption. This prompt resolution is crucial for maintaining the smooth functioning of one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Regulatory oversight and future implications
In response to the accident, inquiries have been directed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding their perspective on the incident. However, with the ongoing government shutdown, a timely response remains uncertain.
As the aviation industry continues to navigate complex safety measures and protocols, this incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards that can arise during ground operations. The involvement of two regional jets in a seemingly minor collision emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in ground safety measures.
The event at LaGuardia reflects various occurrences in aviation, highlighting the importance of maintaining stringent safety standards, particularly during taxi operations. It also underscores the necessity of comprehensive training for flight crews and ground personnel to prevent similar incidents in the future.
