New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) saw a ground collision on October 1, 2025, involving two Delta Air Lines regional jets.
The low-speed collision occurred during evening taxi operations, highlighting ongoing challenges in ramp safety at busy U.S. hubs.
There are no confirmed reports of injuries at the time of writing, but the event underscores the need for robust ground crew protocols.
Incident Timeline and Details
At approximately 9:56 p.m. ET, Delta Connection flight DL5047, operated by Endeavor Air from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), had landed and was taxiing toward its gate.
Meanwhile, another Endeavor-operated jet, DL5714, was maneuvering nearby on the active ramp.
According to preliminary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports, the right wing of DL5714 struck the nose section of DL5047.
The impact severed portions of the wing assembly and caused visible damage to the forward fuselage.
Pilots on DL5047 also reported a compromised windshield, prompting an immediate halt to operations. Both aircraft, Bombardier CRJ-900 models, remained under their own power post-collision.
Visibility was fair, with no adverse weather noted, though nighttime conditions may have contributed.
Eyewitness accounts, including one from a CBS News producer aboard DL5047, described a sudden jolt: “We’d just landed and were taxiing to the gate when struck by another Delta regional jet.”
All 120 passengers and crew across both flights deplaned safely via mobile airstairs.
Port Authority Police and Airport Emergency Services responded within minutes. Fire suppression teams scanned for fuel leaks, but none were detected.
One crew member sustained minor injuries—likely from the abrupt deceleration—and received on-site medical attention before transport to a local facility.
Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident via social media, stating: “We are working closely with authorities to understand what happened.”
The airline rebooked affected passengers on subsequent flights, minimizing disruptions. LGA’s single runway configuration limited broader delays, though gate assignments shifted briefly.
Investigation and Safety Implications
The FAA, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and Port Authority launched a joint probe. Early indicators point to a taxiing miscommunication, possibly involving progressive taxi instructions.
Ground collisions like this represent less than 1% of aviation incidents annually, per NTSB data, yet they erode public confidence.
Experts emphasize that ramp areas, often congested with 200+ daily movements at LGA, demand vigilant air traffic control and marshaller oversight.