Several members of Congress were on an American Airlines plane that hit another plane on the runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) while preparing for takeoff on Thursday.
All House Representatives in New York. He posted about his previous Twitter account, X's experiences, along with Democrats Adriano Espirat, Gregory Meeks, Richie Torres, Grace Meng, Republican Nick Larota and New Jersey Democrat Josh Gottimer.
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Recent plane crashes and closure calls across the country have raised concerns about safety protocols.
The DCA in Arlington, Virginia experienced a fatal air collision over the Potomac River in January, involving a military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines jet. President Donald Trump then questioned whether his diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiative was blaming crashes.
Six people were killed after a helicopter broke in the air and crashed into the Hudson River Thursday afternoon as DCA congressional representatives returned to their homelands in New York and New Jersey.
Amidst close calls and tragic accidents, air travel remains widely considered among the safest forms of transport.
House of Representatives. Comments on the DCA incident
Larota writes: “Service in Congress has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience… Another plane hit our wings, just like when we were stationary on the DCA runway.
In their posts, some Democrats pointed out that President Donald Trump's administration has recently cut the Federal Aviation Administration.
Meng said, “My colleague and I are fine! We are safe waiting for the runway, but we may need more snacks. We are grateful that no one was hurt today, but this urgent need emphasizes restoring all FAA jobs that keep the runway safe.”
Gotheimer said, “Another plane hit our wings while waiting for us to take off on the DCA runway. Thankfully, everyone is safe. Just a reminder: the recent cut to the FAA weakens our sky and public safety.”
Meeks said, “After another plane cuts its wings on the DCA runway, I'm safe. This close call highlights the urgent need for more FAA funding. People's lives are at risk.
“I was on a ground plane struck by another aircraft. Thankfully, no one was injured,” Torres said.
Serving in Congress has a lifetime experience. While stationary on the DCA runway, another plane hit our wings. We'll go back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is fine! (And @RepGraceMeng is handing out grapes!) pic.twitter.com/boo1jnxzdh
– Rep. Nick Larota (@Replalota) April 10, 2025
“This afternoon, several members of Congress, including me and other passengers, were involved in a small incident in which a plane cut off its wings on another plane while taxiing at Ronald Reagan National Airport. An aviation accident is the highest ever.
Espaillat told CNN that he might think “go to Amtrak” rather than jumping out of the DCA after Thursday's incident.
American Airlines DCA Release Statement on Incident
According to American Airlines, American Eagle Flight 5490 has moved from DCA to Charleston, South Carolina and has been in contact with American Eagle Flight 5422, which will travel to JFK Airport in New York. The flight to Charleston had 76 passengers and four crew members, while the flight to New York had 67 passengers and four crew members.
There were no reports of injuries in the incident, and the damage was limited to the wing plates of each aircraft.
American Airlines said, “The American Eagle Flight 5490 operated by PSA Airlines has contacted the American Eagle Flight 4522 and DCA taxi operated by the Republic Airways. Safety is a top priority and we apologise to our customers for the experience.”
The airline also said, “Both aircraft are taxis at the terminal and are not being served to be inspected by the maintenance team. Customers continue their trip on exchange aircraft.”
When asked for comment Thursday by email, a DCA spokesman said, “Question the airline about American Airlines flight numbers 5490 and 4522. It will not affect flight operations at Reagan National Airport.
Updated: 4/10/25, 3:02 PM ET: This article has been updated with additional information and notes.
Updated: 4/10/25, 3:16 PM ET: This article has been updated with additional information and notes.
Updated: 4/10/25, 5:31 PM ET: This article has been updated with additional information and comments.
Updated: 4/10/25, 5:55 PM ET: This article has been updated with additional information and notes.
