A startling incident occurred at a major New York airport Wednesday night. Two passenger jets made contact while taxiing. This LaGuardia ground collision is the latest in a series of aviation close calls. Fortunately, only one minor injury was reported. Both aircraft were Delta Connection flights. Furthermore, Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary, operated both planes.
The event happened around 9:58 p.m. local time. One plane was preparing to depart for Roanoke, Virginia. Meanwhile, the other aircraft had just arrived from Charlotte, North Carolina. It was taxiing to its arrival gate. Consequently, their paths crossed on the tarmac. Preliminary information explains the contact. The wing of the departing jet touched the other plane’s fuselage.
Delta Air Lines quickly issued a statement. They confirmed the LaGuardia ground collision. The airline described it as a low-speed incident. Additionally, teams worked to assist customers. They apologized for the unsettling event. Delta also emphasized its commitment to safety. They promised full cooperation with investigating authorities.
The two involved planes were CRJ-900 regional jets. The departing flight, number 5155, carried 28 passengers. It also had four crew members on board. The arriving flight, number 5047, held 57 passengers. It also had four crew members. A flight attendant reported a minor injury. Subsequently, emergency medical technicians treated this person at the scene.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey responded. They are reviewing the situation alongside federal agencies. Specifically, the Federal Aviation Administration will be involved. The National Transportation Safety Board will also investigate. This LaGuardia ground collision adds to a concerning national trend. Several runway incursions and close calls have happened this year.
For instance, a similar event occurred in April. Two planes clipped each other in Washington, D.C. That incident also happened on the ground. Moreover, a dramatic near-miss happened in Chicago. A landing plane aborted its approach just in time. It avoided another jet crossing the runway. Therefore, this latest event highlights ongoing aviation safety concerns. Authorities will thoroughly examine the causes.
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