Two Delta Airlines jets operated by Endeavor Air experienced a startling collision on the tarmac of LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Wednesday night. The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:56 pm, resulted in one of the aircraft's wings being completely torn off. Despite the severity of the damage, the event thankfully led to only one non-life-threatening injury among the crew, and no passengers were harmed.
The collision involved Endeavor Air flight 5155, slated for Roanoke, Virginia, and flight 5047, arriving from Charlotte. As passengers from Charlotte were taxiing to the gate, their aircraft was struck by the other Delta regional jet. A CBS News producer aboard the flight described the shock and chaos that ensued as passengers were jolted forward by the impact, highlighting the terrifying nature of the experience.
Emergency services, including police and airline personnel, responded swiftly to the scene. Photographs from the aftermath showed the extent of the damage, illustrating the force of the collision. All 85 passengers from both aircraft were promptly evacuated onto the taxiway and transported back to the terminal by buses. Delta Airlines took measures to assist the affected passengers by rebooking them on alternative flights, providing hotel accommodations, and issuing apologies for the distressing incident.
The accident did not lead to significant disruptions at LaGuardia Airport, which continued its normal operations that evening. However, the event has cast a spotlight on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its operational capacity following staffing reductions that took place during the Trump administration. These cuts have been a source of concern among agency insiders, who have warned about the potential impact on aviation safety.
Whistleblowers from the FAA have voiced their apprehensions for months, emphasizing the importance of their roles in ensuring air traffic controllers can effectively guide pilots. The reduction in staff has particularly affected the FAA's Obstacle Data Team, responsible for mapping potential aviation hazards. The team, which has been downsized from around 20 specialists to just eight, plays a crucial role in maintaining a database of structures that could pose risks to flight safety.
These cuts and their possible consequences have become more pressing in light of recent aviation incidents, including a fatal collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport earlier in the year. The concern is that with fewer personnel to manage critical aeronautical information, the likelihood of errors increases—errors that could lead to catastrophic outcomes.
As the FAA and Delta conduct investigations into the LaGuardia collision, questions about the broader implications of staffing reductions on aviation safety remain at the forefront of industry and public concern.
