Planes ‘clip wings’ at Reagan National Airport with congressmen aboard
Two American Airlines planes had a minor incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport when one plane’s wing “clipped” the wing of another while both were on the tarmac.Among the passengers were Representatives Nick LaLota (R-NY) and Grace Meng (D-NY), who both confirmed the incident on social media. LaLota reassured that everyone was okay and humorously noted that Meng was distributing grapes to passengers. Meng emphasized the need for full staffing at the Federal aviation Management (FAA) to ensure runway safety. other members of Congress were also on the flight, and the FAA stated they would investigate the incident, which reportedly occurred around 12:45 PM. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, even though this event follows several other safety-related incidents at the airport this year.
Reps. LaLota and Meng among passengers on planes that ‘clipped wings’ at Reagan National Airport
Two American Airlines planes “clipped wings” on the tarmac at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, with members of Congress on board.
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) posted on social media about the incident, in which one plane’s wing struck a stationary plane’s wing, noting that Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) was also on the flight to New York.
“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,” LaLota said. “Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok! (And @RepGraceMeng is handing out grapes!)”
Back on the tarmac. Different plane. This guy gonna make sure we get there ok. pic.twitter.com/pEsafjO9qD
— Congressman Nick LaLota (@RepLaLota) April 10, 2025
Meng posted about the incident, saying she was glad everyone was OK and stressed the importance of the Federal Aviation Administration being fully staffed.
“Glad my colleagues and I are okay!” the congresswoman wrote. “We are safely waiting on the tarmac, but we may need more snacks. I’m grateful no one was hurt today, but this incident underscores this urgent need restore all FAA jobs that keep our runways safe.”
While waiting on the runway to fly out of DC today, another plane clipped the wing of the plane my colleagues and I were on. Fortunately, everyone is okay & we’re heading back to New York soon. Thank you to all who reached out with your concerns! pic.twitter.com/MAbN2E4dcW
— Grace Meng (@RepGraceMeng) April 10, 2025
Other members of Congress who confirmed they were on the flight included Reps. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY).
The FAA confirmed an incident occurred between the two American Airlines flights and said it would investigate. No injuries were reported.
“The wingtip of American Airlines Flight 5490 struck American Airlines Flight 4522 on a taxiway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around 12:45 p.m. local time on Thursday, April 10,” FAA officials said in a statement. “Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ900, was headed to Charleston International Airport in South Carolina. Flight 4522, an Embraer E175, was headed to JFK International Airport in New York. The FAA will investigate.”
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The incident is the latest at Reagan National this year. In January, there was a deadly midair collision between an American Airlines flight, which was on final approach to the airport, and an Army helicopter.
Another incident occurred last month, when a Delta Air Lines flight and four Air Force jets had to divert to avoid a possible collision near the airport.
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