LaGuardia Airport Plane Collision: Delta Jets Clip Wings on Taxiway

Two Delta Air Lines aircraft collided while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The incident occurred Wednesday evening, causing significant damage to both planes. At least one minor injury was reported following the impact.

According to initial reports from CBS News, one plane was struck by a regional jet near a gate. Both aircraft were moving at slow speeds when the collision happened.

Wing Detached in Slow-Speed Ground Incident

Air traffic control audio reviewed by ABC News captured the moment of impact. The collision occurred at approximately 9:56 p.m. local time. A Delta regional jet’s wing struck the nose of another Delta aircraft.

The force of the impact sheared off a section of the wing. Video from the scene confirmed the detached wing section on the tarmac. The involved flights were preliminarily identified as DL5047 and DL5155.

Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene. One person received medical attention for minor injuries. No other serious injuries were immediately reported.

Operational Disruption at Key New York Hub

LaGuardia Airport is a major hub for domestic air travel. It ranks as the second-busiest airport in the New York City area. This incident will likely cause significant operational delays.

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a full investigation. They will examine the sequence of events leading to the collision. Airport operations continued with adjustments following the incident.

Such ground collisions are rare but pose serious safety concerns. The investigation will review pilot communications and ground control procedures. Safety protocols will be thoroughly examined.

The LaGuardia Airport plane collision serves as a stark reminder of aviation’s complex ground operations. While serious incidents are uncommon, this event will prompt renewed scrutiny of taxiing procedures at busy airports.

Thought you’d like to know

Which Delta flights were involved in the collision?

Preliminary reports indicate Delta Flight DL5047 and Delta Flight DL5155 were involved. Official confirmation from the airline is still pending. The aircraft were regional jets operating domestic routes.

Was anyone seriously injured in the accident?

Authorities confirmed at least one minor injury was reported. The injury was not considered life-threatening. No passengers required hospitalization from the incident.

How did the collision affect airport operations?

The incident caused temporary disruptions to gate availability and taxiway access. Some flights experienced delays as crews worked to clear the area. Normal operations resumed gradually following the initial response.

What caused the planes to collide on the ground?

The exact cause remains under investigation by the FAA. Preliminary information suggests both aircraft were taxiing at slow speeds. The regional jet’s wing made contact with the nose of the other aircraft.

How common are ground collisions between aircraft?

Serious ground collisions are relatively rare in commercial aviation. Minor incidents involving wingtips or ground equipment occur more frequently. Strict protocols and improved technology have reduced such events significantly.