Two US representatives said the plane cut off the wings of the aircraft at the Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, DC on Thursday
The lawmakers shared their thoughts on X after the incident. Republican New York Rep. Nick Larota posted a photo from his window seat and said he and Democrat New York Rep. Grace Meng were on board.
“We have a lifetime experience of serving in Congress, like we did when we were stationary on the DCA runway, another plane just hit our wings.
Serving in Congress has a lifetime experience. While stationary on the DCA runway, another plane hit our wings. We'll go back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is fine! (and@RepGracemengWe are handing out grapes! ) pic.twitter.com/boo1jnxzdh
– Rep. Nicklalota (@Replalota) April 10, 2025
“Another plane hit our wings while waiting for us to take off on the DCA runway,” said Democrat New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottimer. I wrote it X. “Thankfully, everyone is safe.”
“Just reminder: recent cuts to the FAA weaken our sky and public safety,” Gotheimer continued, criticizing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for President Donald Trump's administration's policies. (Related: “Waiting for an accident to happen”: The Fed ignored DC Death Strap for years despite dozens of near misses on planes and choppers)
Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January that aimed to end diversity, equity and inclusion employment practices at agencies. According to White House fact sheet. The president also directed FAA managers to conduct a review of the safety performance and standards of agency employees. The administration fired about 400 FAA staff members in February, but these staff did not work in air traffic control. According to USA TODAY.
The FAA said in a statement in a Daily Call statement that the Wingtip for American Airlines Flight 5490 for South Carolina has attacked American Airlines Flight 4522, operated by an airline heading to New York. The incident occurred around 12:45pm local time.
The FAA is set to investigate the incident.
DCA airport confirmed with callers that both planes were taxied at the gates and that no injuries were reported to authorities. The spokesman added that the collision would not affect flight operations at the airport. (Related: “Listen to the Scream”: planes almost collide on the runway at Reagan Airport)
Four crew members and 76 passengers were on Flight 5,490, while the other flights had 67 passengers and four crew members, American Airlines said in a statement to the caller.
The airline added that both aircraft will be removed from active services and inspected.
“The damage was limited to the wing plates of each aircraft,” the airline said. “Customers will board a replacement aircraft and continue their trip.”
“Safety is our number one priority and we apologise for your experience,” American Airlines said.
The incident occurred several months after an airborne collision between an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter at the DCA, and no survivors were found. The two aircraft collided as planes from PSA Airlines, which operates with American Airlines, approaching the airport runway at about 9pm on January 29th.
