Delta CRJ-900 Wing Hits LaGuardia Runway
FAA Investigates Delta Air Lines Wing Strike at LaGuardia Airport
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation following an alarming incident involving a Delta Air Lines subsidiary, Endeavor Air. A CRJ-900 aircraft’s wing struck the runway at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) during an attempted landing on Sunday night, March 16, 2025. The incident raised safety concerns as ground observers reported seeing sparks from the aircraft’s wing during the landing attempt.
Incident Overview: Delta Plane Wing Strike at LaGuardia
Endeavor Air Flight 4814, carrying 76 passengers, was making an approach to land when the pilot executed a go-around due to what the FAA classified as an "unstable approach." This maneuver occurred around 10 p.m. as the aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900LR registered as N185GJ, attempted to land. The plane is powered by GE CF34-8C5 turbofan engines and is 16.8 years old.
Air traffic control communications captured the moment when controllers informed the flight crew about the wing strike, asking, "Somebody saw some sparks from one of your wings, do you guys feel anything?" The pilots responded that they had not felt anything but pledged to check.
Delta’s Response and Safety Procedures
Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident and stated, “The Endeavor Air flight crew followed established procedures to safely enact a go-around at New York-LaGuardia. The aircraft landed safely and proceeded to its arrival gate. We apologize to our customers for the experience.”
The FAA emphasized that a go-around is a standard and safe maneuver, ensuring that pilots and air traffic controllers maintain full control of the situation. The agency is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wing strike.
Related Incident: Toronto Plane Crash Involving Delta
This incident comes on the heels of another serious event involving Endeavor Air. A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crashed while landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport in February, marking a troubling trend in commercial aviation incidents.
During that event, the CRJ-900 aircraft experienced a landing gear failure, leading to the rear landing gear collapsing upon touchdown. The right wing sheared off, resulting in a fireball as the plane skidded and flipped over on the runway. Fortunately, all 80 passengers survived, although 21 required hospitalization.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed gratitude to emergency responders and acknowledged the professionalism of the Endeavor crew in evacuating the aircraft. As a gesture of goodwill, Delta offered $30,000 to each passenger involved in the Toronto incident, with total compensation potentially exceeding $2.2 million.
Conclusion: Safety Measures and Future Implications
The FAA’s investigation into the Delta Air Lines wing strike at LaGuardia Airport highlights the ongoing scrutiny of aviation safety protocols. As incidents like these occur, it is crucial for airlines to reinforce safety measures and ensure that all personnel are well-trained for emergency scenarios.
For more updates on aviation safety and incidents, stay tuned to our latest articles. Share your thoughts on these recent events in the comments below or explore related topics to learn more about airline safety practices.
