Congress Members Aboard as Two Planes Collide at Reagan Airport; FAA Investigates Amid Safety Concerns

In a troubling aviation incident, two American Airlines planes collided while taxiing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Thursday afternoon. American Eagle Flight 5490, bound for Charleston, South Carolina, struck the stationary wing of Flight 4522 headed for JFK Airport in New York.

Notably, at least seven U.S. Representatives, including Grace Meng and Gregory Meeks, were aboard Flight 4522. No injuries were reported, and both aircraft were returned to the terminal and removed from service.

Rep. Meeks called it a “close call,” while Rep. Meng described it as a “preventable error,” emphasizing the need for more FAA funding and staffing. The FAA has launched an investigation.

The incident adds to a growing list of aviation safety concerns, especially with ongoing staffing shortages. Just two months ago, a mid-air collision near the same airport claimed 67 lives.

Virginia Senators reiterated their warnings about the FAA being understaffed by at least 3,000 air traffic controllers.