FAA continues investigation after 2 planes clip wings at Reagan National Airport
FAA continues investigation after 2 planes clip wings
Safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is under renewed scrutiny following an incident Thursday where two planes clipped wings while taxiing.
WASHINGTON - Safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is under renewed scrutiny following an incident Thursday where two planes clipped wings while taxiing.
FAA investigates wing collision at Reagan National Airport
What we know:
The collision involved American Eagle Flight 4522 to New York and Flight 5490 to South Carolina, with at least 70 passengers aboard each aircraft. Passengers reported feeling bumps and hearing a loud noise, with parts of a wing visible on the ground. No injuries were reported.
Several members of Congress were onboard, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who criticized recent FAA layoffs. "While waiting to take off on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing. Thankfully, everyone is safe," he posted on X. "Just a reminder: Recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety."
READ MORE: Planes clip wings at DCA with members of Congress on board
Investigation: 2 planes clip wings at Reagan National Airport
Safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is under renewed scrutiny following an incident Thursday where two planes clipped wings while taxiing.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Renewed calls for enhanced safety measures at DCA
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy countered saying, "Glad to hear everyone on board is safe. But stop the fear mongering and let’s stick to the facts. No safety-critical positions at the FAA have been cut."
The incident has reignited calls for increased safety measures at DCA, with Virginia Sen. Mark Warner and other lawmakers demanding an investigation. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is investigating, and American Airlines confirmed both planes are out of service.
This latest event follows a series of safety concerns at the airport, including a deadly mid-air collision in January that claimed 67 lives.
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
The Source: Information in this article comes from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the Associated Press and previous FOX 5 reporting.