At least three members of Congress are on one of Reagan National's latest accident planes.
The American Airlines plane carrying at least three members of the US Congress was struck on the tax route by the wingtip of another American Airlines jet at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
American Airlines Flight 5490, a Bombardier CRJ 900 heading to Charleston, South Carolina, attacked American Flight 4522, an emblazoned E175 heading to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. No injuries have been reported.
Rep. Josh Gothheimer, a New Jersey Democrat, said on social media that he was on a flight to New York when the incident occurred while waiting for him to take off on the runway.
The latest accident at Reagan National will step up scrutiny of how air traffic will be handled at an airport just outside of Washington, D.C.
The FAA will investigate. American Airlines said both aircraft were taxied to the terminal and were not being served to be inspected by the maintenance team. Damage was limited to the wing plates of each aircraft.
Passengers will continue their trip on exchange aircraft, the American added.
Another plane struck our wings while waiting for us to take off on the runway at DCA. Thankfully, everyone is safe.
Just a reminder: Recent cuts in FAA weaken our sky and public safety.
– Josh Gottimer (@Repjoshg) April 10, 2025
The South Carolina flight had 76 passengers and four crew members. The flight to New York had 67 passengers and four crew members.
The Reagan business in Arlington, Virginia has been under intense scrutiny since the fatal Jan. 29 collision between American Airlines' regional jets and US Army helicopters killed 67 people. The FAA has now placed permanent restrictions on helicopter traffic near the airport.
The FAA said this week it had set up a new management team to oversee air traffic control at Reagan National.
Last month, the senator pushed the FAA saying it failed to act on thousands of reports of helicopters near the plane near Reagan.
Last week, the FAA said it could be delayed in reaching Reagan after the collision. Additionally, operational supervisor staffing has increased from 6 to 8, with FAA stress management teams visiting the airport to provide confidential support for staff.
On March 28, a close mistake between Delta Lineplane departing Reagan National and the Air Force jet approaching Arlington National Cemetery caused a cockpit crash warning for the Delta plane, updating safety concerns and raising questions about why the controller could depart the Delta plane.
Additionally, a fight occurred at Reagan Air Traffic Control Tower last month, when an employee was arrested and placed on leave, the FAA said.
