Collision of Two Delta Flights at LaGuardia Leaves Passenger Injured

NEW YORK- Two regional aircraft from Delta Air Lines collided on the taxiway at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), resulting in considerable damage to one plane’s cockpit and fuselage. One passenger sustained injuries and was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital.

The incident took place on Wednesday night. One CRJ-900LR was taxiing for departure to Roanoke, Virginia (ROA) as flight DL-5155. Meanwhile, another CRJ-900LR, which had just arrived from Charlotte (CLT), was moving toward its gate.

Collision Involving Two Delta Planes at LaGuardia

Passenger photos and eyewitness reports indicate that the wing of the departing aircraft grazed the cockpit of the incoming jet, leading to severe structural damage in the front section.

Luckily, the pilots in the affected cockpit were unharmed. However, one passenger reported injuries and received prompt medical attention before being taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

Delta Air Lines characterized the incident as a “low-speed collision,” confirming that both planes belonged to Endeavor Air, a Delta subsidiary operating under the Delta Connection brand.

The first aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900LR, was scheduled to fly to Roanoke (ROA) as DL-5155. The second jet, arriving from Charlotte (CLT), was taxiing to its designated spot.

The collision occurred when the outbound aircraft’s wing struck the cockpit of the arriving plane, highlighting the risks associated with taxi operations at busy airports such as LaGuardia (LGA).

Fortunately, both flight crews emerged unscathed, with the sole reported injury being minor. Emergency services swiftly addressed the situation, and the injured passenger was transported for further examination. Delta reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew members is always their primary concern.

Ground Collisions: An Uncommon but Serious Concern

While infrequent, ground collisions involving commercial aircraft do happen. In September 2024, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 collided with the tail of a Delta Connection regional jet during taxi at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), resulting in significant structural damage. Only one flight attendant sustained injuries during that incident.

Recently, two United Airlines aircraft experienced a similar issue at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) last month when one plane was being pushed back from a gate. This encounter resulted in tail damage, but fortunately, there were no injuries.

These instances emphasize the crucial need for effective ground traffic management at major U.S. airports, where heavy aircraft movement on busy taxiways increases the likelihood of low-speed collisions.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) plans to review the LaGuardia incident as part of standard protocol for aircraft ground collisions. Investigators will evaluate cockpit voice recordings, air traffic control communications, and taxiway conditions to identify contributing factors.

The results of this investigation may prompt recommendations on taxiway separation procedures, ground radar monitoring, or enhanced crew communication protocols to reduce future risks.