Two American Airlines regional jets collided while taxiing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport sparking renewed concerns over aviation safety and ongoing FAA staffing shortages.
American Eagle Flight 5490, headed to Charleston, clipped the wing of stationary Flight 4522, which was bound for New York. The minor collision damaged the winglets on both aircraft but resulted in no injuries. Both planes returned to the terminal and were taken out of service for inspection.
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Flight 4522 had several U.S. lawmakers onboard, including Reps. Grace Meng and Gregory Meeks. Meng called the incident a “preventable error,” while Meeks emphasized the urgency of increasing FAA resources to avoid such close calls in the future.
The FAA has launched a formal investigation, with the event following other recent aviation incidents — including a fatal mid-air collision near the same airport earlier this year — intensifying calls for stronger oversight and staffing.
