Two Delta Air Lines regional jets were involved in a serious collision on the taxiway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on the evening of October 1, 2025. In a startling incident, the wing of one of the aircraft was ripped off, highlighting the importance of stringent safety protocols and communication on the ground.
Details of the Collision
The incident occurred just before 10 p.m. when Delta Flight DL5155, a CRJ900 operated by Delta’s Endeavor Air, clipped the fuselage of Delta Flight DL5047, another CRJ900. Flight DL5155 was scheduled to depart for Roanoke, Virginia, while Flight DL5047 had just arrived from Charlotte, North Carolina. The collision resulted in significant structural damage to the wing of the departing aircraft, registration number N902XJ.
Impact on Passengers and Crew
Onboard DL5155 were 28 passengers and four crew members, while DL5047 was carrying 57 passengers and four crew members, bringing the total number of people involved in the incident to 93. Fortunately, only one flight attendant sustained minor injuries and was swiftly attended to by EMTs at the scene.
- Flight DL5155 (CRJ900, N902XJ) scheduled to Roanoke, VA
- Flight DL5047 (CRJ900, N480PX) arriving from Charlotte, NC
- Total: 93 people involved
- One minor injury reported
Immediate Response
In the aftermath of the collision, passengers were escorted safely off both aircraft and shuttled to the terminal. Delta Air Lines promptly arranged hotel accommodations and rebooked flights for all passengers needing further travel arrangements. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed the minor injury and subsequent transport of the affected crew member to a hospital for evaluation.
Ensuring Future Safety
The incident at LaGuardia underscores the critical need for robust communication and safety checks on busy taxiways, especially at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Delta Air Lines have initiated investigations to determine the cause and further prevent such occurrences.
