Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Runway Incident at Reagan Airport: Jet Collides with Parked Aircraft
Reagan National Airport experienced another aviation incident on Thursday when a taxiing jet collided with a stationary aircraft on the runway. This event occurred months after a prior deadly mid-air collision that tragically claimed the lives of 67 individuals. The latest runway collision at Reagan Airport involved two jet aircraft and prompted renewed scrutiny of airport operations.
Members of Congress Aboard Aircraft Involved in Runway Collision
Several members of Congress were passengers on the planes when the incident occurred. New York Congressman Nick LaLota shared on social media platform X that his aircraft was involved in a collision.
‘Another plane just bumped into our wing. Returning to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok!’ LaLota posted from inside one of the jets involved in the Reagan Airport incident.
Congressman LaLota also mentioned that fellow Congress member Grace Meng was ‘handing out grapes’ to passengers during the ensuing delay, according to an image he shared from his plane window.
New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer also confirmed his involvement and used the occasion to criticize previous federal government budget reductions to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
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‘While awaiting takeoff on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing. Thankfully, everyone is safe,’ Gottheimer wrote.
‘Just a reminder: Recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety,’ he added, linking the Reagan Airport runway incident to broader concerns about aviation safety.
No Injuries Reported in Reagan Airport Runway Incident
Reports indicate one aircraft was destined for Charleston, South Carolina, while the other was en route to JFK Airport in New York. Initial reports suggest no injuries resulted from the runway collision at Reagan Airport.
Broader Concerns Over Aviation Safety Follow Runway Collision
This incident occurs during a period of heightened scrutiny for the U.S. aviation sector. In January, a catastrophic collision between an American Airlines jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter initiated a series of accidents and near-misses. This sequence of events has amplified worries about air travel safety.
Subsequent incidents include:
- A small plane crash in Pennsylvania a week later resulting in seven fatalities.
- Another aircraft crash in Alaska weeks later claiming 10 lives.
- A small plane crash off the Florida coast killing 12.
These incidents have occurred after previous governmental reductions affecting the FAA workforce became a point of contention.
Congress Members Criticize FAA Cuts After Runway Incident
Following the Thursday aircraft incident at Reagan Airport, several members of Congress voiced criticism regarding cuts to the FAA. Congressman Adriano Espaillat stated on X, revealing he was also aboard one of the affected flights: ‘Aviation mishaps are at an all-time high, and the previous administration’s decision to reduce FAA control staff has endangered us all. We are grateful that no one was injured and a catastrophe was averted.’
News outlets have reported that Representatives Gregory Meeks and Ritchie Torres were also passengers on the aircraft involved in the runway collision at Reagan Airport.
Gottheimer described the impact as causing his plane to ‘shook violently’ when it was struck by the other jet.
‘It was pretty clear that we got hit,’ he stated to a news source. ‘The pilot came on and informed us we weren’t going anywhere except back to the gate.’
Pilot Apologizes to Passengers, FAA to Investigate Reagan Airport Incident
A passenger recorded a video within the cabin shortly after the collision, capturing the pilot addressing passengers and offering an apology.
‘The FAA is going to come out to do some inspections, so for now, we have been instructed to remain where we are,’ the pilot announced via the intercom.
‘This is something that is going to take five minutes, or potentially an hour, I apologize for this delay, I cannot provide an exact timeframe right now.’
Airport Operations Unaffected by Runway Collision
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority communicated on Thursday that both aircraft returned to their respective gates following the collision. They also stated that airport operations remained unaffected despite the runway incident.
Recent History of Incidents at Reagan International Airport
This runway incident follows closely after a series of significant events at Reagan International Airport. Months prior, the airport was the site of a major air traffic tragedy involving a collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter.
The January incident resulted in 67 fatalities, sending repercussions throughout the aviation community.
Since then, Reagan Airport has experienced further issues, including a passenger jet needing to abort a landing shortly after the fatal crash to avert another potential collision.
Last week, a Delta flight also had a near miss with a U.S. Air Force jet in the vicinity of Reagan Airport, raising concerns of a potential repeat of the January disaster.
Air Traffic Controller Dispute at Reagan Airport Highlighted
Amidst escalating scrutiny of Reagan International Airport’s air traffic control, it was recently revealed that two air traffic controllers were involved in a physical altercation inside the control tower following the earlier fatal crash.
Sources indicated that a heated argument between two on-duty tower controllers escalated, resulting in one individual physically assaulting the other.
Reports detailed that the altercation led to blood being present on a control console before the colleagues were separated, according to an insider account.