Two planes partially collided this Thursday afternoon at the Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington DC.
One of the aircraft, which was in the taxiing phase—meaning it was moving slowly toward the runway for takeoff—collided with the wing of another aircraft that was parked and stationary on one of the taxiways at the airport.
Although no injuries were reported, the incident created moments of tension on board, especially since several members of the United States Congress were among the passengers.
The incident forced the cancellation of the takeoff and a return to the boarding gate to assess the damage and allow for a technical inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Unexpected impact and immediate response
The moment of the collision was described by several witnesses as sudden, yet without any noise. A passenger recorded a video of the interior of the cabin just minutes after the impact, where the pilot can be heard communicating with the passengers.
"The FAA is going to come to do some inspections, so for now they've told us to stay where we are. This is something that could take five minutes or an hour; I’m sorry, I can't tell you right now," he wrote.
The pilot appeared visibly worried, although he tried to remain calm on board as the safety protocols were activated.
The cabin remained closed, and the passengers stayed in their seats for several minutes until the return of the plane to the terminal was authorized.
Congress members recount the experience in real time
Among the passengers on the affected plane was the congressman from New York, Nick LaLota, who shared his experience on social media.
“Another plane has just collided with our wing. We are returning to the boarding gate, but fortunately, everyone is fine,” he wrote on X.
Along with his message, he shared an image taken from his window that shows the damaged wing.
The situation, although under control, necessitated the cancellation or rescheduling of the itinerary for several passengers.
LaLota also mentioned that her colleague, Congresswoman Grace Meng, helped calm the travelers' spirits by distributing grapes as a gesture of solidarity and relaxation during the waiting period.
Another lawmaker, the Democratic Congressman from New Jersey Josh Gottheimer, was also on the affected plane.
In addition to confirming that he was unhurt, he took the opportunity to make a political critique related to air security.
"While waiting to take off on the DCA runway, another plane struck our wing. Fortunately, we are all safe. Just a reminder: the recent cuts to the FAA undermine our skies and public safety," he wrote.
No injuries, but under inspection
After the collision, both airplanes were withdrawn from circulation to undergo detailed technical inspections.
The FAA has opened a preliminary investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident, which may include failures in ground control communications, human error, or deficiencies in signaling and coordination on the ground.
Although no official reports of injuries were issued, the incident was highly symbolic as it involved high-profile political figures and took place in an airport that has been under public scrutiny for security issues.
This new incident occurs just three months after one of the most serious tragedies in the recent history of American aviation, which also took place at Reagan Airport.
In January, a commercial airplane from American Airlines collided in mid-air with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the death of all 67 people on board both aircraft.
The collision, which occurred during approach maneuvers, was described by witnesses as an explosion followed by a shower of debris over the outer perimeter of the airport. The impact generated a wave of shock throughout the country, especially since it took place at an airport so close to the political heart of the United States.
This disaster prompted a wave of criticism against federal authorities and the airport administration, as well as an urgent review of air traffic control protocols.
The FAA and the Department of Defense initiated independent investigations, and greater coordination was required between civilian flights and military operations in mixed traffic areas.
Since then, the airport has accumulated a series of concerning incidents: aborted landings, reports of errors in air traffic control, and internal complaints about tensions in the control tower.
In fact, in the weeks following the tragedy in January, two air traffic controllers were involved in a physical altercation inside the control tower, which ended with blood on a navigation console.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Air Incident in Washington D.C.
What happened in the plane crash at Ronald Reagan National Airport?
The incident involved two airplanes that partially collided at the airport. One aircraft, in the taxiing phase, struck the wing of another that was parked. No injuries were reported, but the occurrence caused tension, especially because there were members of the United States Congress among the passengers.
Who were some of the passengers on board the American Airlines flight?
Among the passengers were several U.S. Congress members, such as Nick LaLota and Grace Meng, who shared their experiences on social media. These legislators used their platforms to recount the incident and express their views on air security.
What measures were taken after the accident to ensure safety?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) opened a preliminary investigation to determine the exact causes of the accident. Both aircraft have been taken out of service for detailed technical inspections.
What is the security background of Ronald Reagan National Airport?
The Ronald Reagan National Airport has been in the public eye due to security issues. In January 2025, a tragedy occurred when a commercial airplane collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter, resulting in the death of 67 people. This incident, along with other security concerns, has sparked criticism towards federal authorities and the airport management.
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