Two regional Delta planes collided at LaGuardia Airport when one jet’s wing struck the cockpit window of the other

Two Delta Regional Jets Collide on Taxiway at LaGuardia Airport

In a tense and unusual scene at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday night, two Delta Air Lines regional jets were involved in a low-speed collision while maneuvering on the taxiway. According to the airline, both aircraft were CRJ-900s operated by Endeavor Air, Delta’s regional affiliate.

The incident occurred when Delta Flight 5047 had just arrived from Charlotte, North Carolina. As it made its way along taxiway M toward the terminal, another Delta-operated aircraft—Flight 5155, preparing for departure to Roanoke, Virginia—swung too close. The wing of Flight 5155 struck the nose and cockpit windows of Flight 5047, causing a loud impact that startled passengers and crew.

Audio recordings captured by LiveATC.net reveal the immediate radio call from the cockpit of Flight 5047: “We have two CRJs on taxiway M that collided. Their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit wind screens.” The calm but direct report underscores the sudden and jarring nature of the collision.

While the collision was described as “low-speed,” it was not without consequence. The pilot of Flight 5155 reported that one flight attendant injured her knee during the incident. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia, confirmed that the crew member was transported to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, no passengers were injured.

Delta Air Lines quickly issued a statement stressing its commitment to safety: “Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred, as the safety of our customers and people comes before all else. We apologize to our customers for the experience.”

Passengers from both flights faced an abrupt change to their evening plans. The Charlotte flight was carrying 57 travelers, while the Roanoke-bound jet had 28 passengers preparing for departure. After the collision, everyone was safely bused back to the terminal. Delta provided hotel accommodations and meal vouchers while arranging alternative travel.

Despite the dramatic nature of the collision, the Port Authority confirmed that the incident did not affect broader airport operations. Flights continued as scheduled across LaGuardia, one of the busiest and most congested airports in the country.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been contacted for further comment and is expected to review the incident. However, given the ongoing government shutdown, it remains unclear how quickly an official response or investigation update will follow.

This collision serves as a reminder of the challenges pilots face in crowded airports like LaGuardia, where tight taxiways and constant traffic demand precision and communication at every step. Although no serious injuries occurred, the incident highlights the importance of stringent safety measures, even in seemingly routine ground operations.