Two American Airlines regional jets clipped wings while taxiing at Reagan National Airport on April 10, 2025, one of which was carrying six members of Congress from New York and New Jersey. The incident involved Flight 5490, departing for Charleston, SC, which struck the stationary Flight 4522 bound for JFK Airport.
Although both aircraft sustained minor damage to their winglets, no injuries were reported among the 143 passengers and crew. Both planes were pulled from service for inspection and replacement aircraft were arranged.
The lawmakers on board included Reps. Nick LaLota, Grace Meng, Adriano Espaillat, Ritchie Torres, Gregory Meeks, and Josh Gottheimer. Several of them took to social media to express gratitude to the flight crew and raise concerns over aviation safety and FAA staffing shortages.
Rep. Grace Meng remarked, “This incident underscores the urgent need to restore all FAA jobs that keep our runways safe,” highlighting broader concerns following other recent aviation safety incidents at the same airport.
The FAA has launched an investigation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the administration’s staffing policies, stating no safety-critical roles were eliminated and urging a fact-based response.
American Airlines apologized for the disruption and reaffirmed its commitment to safety as the top priority.
