In a startling aviation incident just weeks after a deadly mid-air collision, two planes carrying members of Congress collided on the tarmac of Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, when the wingtip of one aircraft clipped the wing of another while taxiing for departure.
Among those aboard were multiple U.S. Representatives, including New York lawmakers Nick LaLota, Grace Meng, Gregory Meeks, and Adriano Espaillat, as well as New Jersey’s Josh Gottheimer. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has reignited fierce debate over recent FAA staffing cuts and overall aviation safety.
The FAA identified the two aircraft involved as American Airlines Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ 900 headed to Charleston International Airport in South Carolina, and American Airlines Flight 4522, an Embraer E175 en route to JFK International Airport in New York.
According to Rep. Nick LaLota, Flight 4522 was stationary on the tarmac when it was struck by the other aircraft. “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 posted on X (formerly Twitter), reassuring that all passengers were safe and in good spirits.
LaLota even shared a photo of the other jet resting just feet away from his own, while Rep. Grace Meng lightened the mood by distributing grapes to fellow passengers.
American Airlines confirmed the collision, noting that 67 customers and four crew members were aboard the JFK-bound plane, while the Charleston flight carried 76 passengers and four crew. Both aircraft returned to their gates without impacting wider airport operations.
In the wake of the near-disaster, lawmakers quickly took to social media to express both relief and frustration. Rep. Josh Gottheimer stressed the broader implications, writing, “Just a reminder: Recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety.”
Rep. Gregory Meeks echoed that sentiment, stating, “This close call underscores the urgent need for more FAA funding—people’s lives are at stake. Cuts and firing FAA employees are not the answer.”
Rep. Adriano Espaillat pointed fingers directly at President Donald Trump’s administration, which was reported by PBS to have laid off hundreds of FAA employees. “Aviation mishaps are at an all-time high,” Espaillat warned. “The Trump administration’s reckless decision to fire FAA control staff has put us all in danger.”
Seven members of Congress were reportedly aboard the impacted flight, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the mounting calls for comprehensive safety reform.
This incident follows a devastating crash just months prior in the Washington D.C. airspace. That collision — involving an American Airlines flight and a military Black Hawk helicopter — killed all 67 people aboard, including three helicopter crew members and 64 passengers. Many victims were child athletes returning from the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, adding to the emotional weight of the tragedy.
It was the deadliest aviation disaster in the U.S. since November 2001, when American Airlines Flight 587 crashed in New York, killing 260 people.
Investigations revealed a troubling trend: over 15,000 near-misses between commercial planes and helicopters at Ronald Reagan National Airport in recent years. During a March press briefing, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy warned, “We remain concerned about the significant potential for a future mid-air collision at DCA.”
Adding to the urgency, another American Airlines flight caught fire at Denver International Airport in March. Flight 1006, en route from Colorado Springs to Dallas, was diverted to Denver after the engine began vibrating violently. Moments later, the crew issued a chilling “Mayday” call as flames erupted.
Passengers were seen evacuating on the wing while thick black smoke engulfed the plane. Though there were no fatalities, 12 people were hospitalized with minor injuries. American Airlines thanked crew and emergency responders for their swift action, reaffirming that “safety of everyone on board and on the ground is the priority.”
Thursday’s collision and the string of recent incidents have sparked renewed urgency for a reassessment of the FAA’s staffing and operational protocols. Lawmakers are calling for a reversal of past budget cuts and immediate action to address what many now consider a mounting aviation safety crisis.
As investigations into both the collision and broader safety failures unfold, the spotlight remains firmly on Washington — and the decisions that could determine the future safety of American skies.
