In a scary but ultimately non-fatal incident, two American Airlines planes collided at Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at approximately 12:45 p.m. ET. The planes were carrying several members of the United States Congress when the wingtip of one aircraft struck another on the taxiway. The incident, which has garnered significant attention, did not result in any injuries.

The Collision

The planes involved in the collision were American Airlines Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ 900, which was heading to Charleston, South Carolina, and American Airlines Flight 4522, an Embraer E175, which was bound for New York JFK. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the collision occurred on the taxiway as the planes were preparing for takeoff. The aircraft were relatively close to each other when the wingtip of Flight 5490 made contact with the wingtip of Flight 4522.

Lawmakers Onboard

The incident was particularly notable because several lawmakers were on board the planes at the time. New York Congressman Nick LaLota took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an image from inside his plane, showing the situation during the delay. He wrote, "Another plane just bumped into our wing. Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok!"

The New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer, who was also aboard, commented on the situation, making a political statement about the safety of air travel. "While waiting to take off on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing. Thankfully, everyone is safe. Just a reminder: Recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety," Gottheimer tweeted, referencing recent budget cuts affecting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under former President Trump.

Other Congress Members and Their Experience

In addition to LaLota and Gottheimer, Congresswoman Grace Meng from New York was also on the plane. According to LaLota’s tweet, Meng was spotted “handing out grapes” to other passengers during the delay as they waited for the situation to be resolved. Thankfully, despite the collision, no injuries were reported.

Immediate Aftermath and FAA Response

Following the collision, both aircraft were instructed to return to the gate, and emergency procedures were initiated to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Rescue teams were on standby in case of further issues, but the damage was limited to the wingtip contact between the two planes.

As of now, the FAA has not provided additional details on the exact cause of the collision, but investigations are ongoing. The agency has been involved in reviewing air traffic control records, potential miscommunication, or any mechanical issues that may have contributed to the incident.

Public and Political Reactions

The collision, while shocking, did not result in casualties, but it raised concerns about the safety of U.S. airspace, particularly at busy airports like Reagan National Airport. Lawmakers who were involved have used the incident to underscore concerns about the cuts to the FAA's budget, which many feel could compromise aviation safety.

Gottheimer's comments about the FAA cuts resonate with many in Congress who have been advocating for greater investment in public safety infrastructure. It remains to be seen whether this incident will prompt further discussions or action regarding aviation safety measures in the United States.

Looking Ahead

This collision serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in air travel, even under relatively calm conditions. Despite the lack of injuries in this case, the FAA and other aviation experts will undoubtedly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident to prevent future occurrences. The event has raised important questions about aviation safety protocols, particularly as they pertain to high-traffic airports like Reagan National and the growing strain on federal safety agencies.

With the investigation ongoing, further details about the cause of the incident are expected to emerge. For now, the lawmakers aboard the planes are safe, and American Airlines has stated that they will continue to cooperate with the FAA as the investigation into this unusual collision unfolds.

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