When Delta Air Lines’s two regional jets brushed shoulders on a LaGuardia taxiway this Thursday, the sound of metal on metal echoed through the bustling terminal and set off an automatic cascade of safety protocols.
At about on LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, the right wing of a Bombardier CRJ‑900 clipped the nose of another CRJ‑700 during routine ground movement. The taxiway collisionLaGuardia Airport was captured in Air Traffic Control (ATC) audio, which later became the backbone of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation.
What Happened on the Tarmac?
The collision unfolded during the final push toward runway 4‑L, a stretch that has historically been a bottleneck for gate‑to‑runway traffic. According to the ATC transcript, the first jet was cleared to taxi via Taxiway W, while the second aircraft received clearance for Taxiway V just seconds later. A miscommunication—likely a missed read‑back—left the two aircraft on intersecting paths.
"We heard a loud bang and then saw smoke at the intersection of Taxiways V and W," recalled a ground crew member who asked to remain anonymous. The right wing of the first jet sheared off a small panel on the nose gear of the second, leaving dents but no structural breach.
Why Ground Collisions Matter
Ground incidents, while less dramatic than mid‑air emergencies, account for roughly 15 % of all aviation accidents in the United States, according to the FAA’s Safety Data 2023 report. The sheer density of aircraft movements at hubs like LaGuardia amplifies the risk.
"Every taxiway crossing is a potential point of failure," said James Whitaker, senior safety analyst at the Aviation Safety Institute. "What makes today’s incident noteworthy is the proximity of the aircraft and the rapid activation of emergency services, which kept injuries to a minimum."
Immediate Response and Investigation
Within minutes, fire and rescue crews descended on the scene, establishing a safety perimeter. No passengers were injured; three crew members sustained minor bruises while exiting the impacted cabins. The FAA dispatched a team of eight investigators, led by Amy L. Hughes, to collect data from both aircraft’s flight data recorders (FDR) and cockpit voice recorders (CVR).
The airline’s spokesperson, Karen Mitchell, told reporters, "Our priority is the safety of our passengers and crew. Both aircraft are being inspected, and we’ll cooperate fully with the FAA’s investigation."
Impact on Passengers and Airport Operations
Approximately 45 passengers were delayed, with most rebooked on later Delta flights or on partner airlines. LaGuardia’s ground operations were halted for about 45 minutes, causing a ripple effect that pushed back departures at nearby terminals.
Ticket revenue loss for the day is estimated at $2.3 million, according to an internal memo leaked to the press. While that figure sounds high, the airline’s insurance coverage for ground incidents typically absorbs the bulk of repair costs.
Regulatory Context and Safety Outlook
Following the accident, the FAA issued a temporary advisory reminding all carriers operating at LaGuardia to double‑check read‑backs for taxi instructions. The agency also announced a review of the airport’s taxiway signage, which some pilots have previously described as “confusing during peak hours.”
NASA’s Aviation Safety Program has been tracking similar events at congested U.S. airports and recommends adopting advanced surface movement radar (ASMR) technology. If LaGuardia invests in ASMR, it could reduce taxi‑way incidents by up to 30 % within two years.
Background: Past Ground Incidents at LaGuardia
LaGuardia is no stranger to runway mishaps. In 2019, a Southwest Boeing 737 clipped a baggage cart during a takeoff roll, prompting a brief shutdown. That incident spurred the airport to install additional ground‑radar sensors, but the current collision suggests more work remains.
Historically, Delta’s regional fleet—primarily CRJ‑700/900 models—has logged over 10 million flight hours with a commendable safety record. However, ground handling procedures vary between carriers, and the complexity of mixed‑fleet operations can create blind spots.
Key Facts
- Time of incident: , October 3, 2025.
- Aircraft involved: Bombardier CRJ‑900 and CRJ‑700, both operated under the Delta Connection brand.
- Location: Intersection of Taxiways V and W at LaGuardia Airport, Queens, NY.
- Casualties: No serious injuries; three crew members with minor bruises.
- Investigation: Led by Amy L. Hughes of the FAA, pending full report.
What's Next?
Delta has pledged to review its ground‑movement training program within the next 30 days. The FAA expects a preliminary safety bulletin by the end of the month, followed by a comprehensive report early next year.
Travelers planning to fly through LaGuardia are advised to allow extra time for potential delays and to stay tuned to airline notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers were affected by the collision?
Around 45 passengers on the two Delta regional jets experienced delays. Most were rebooked on later flights, while a few chose alternate airlines.
What caused the taxiway crash?
Preliminary ATC audio points to a miscommunication during clearance read‑backs, which placed the two aircraft on intersecting taxi routes. The FAA investigation will confirm whether human error or signage contributed.
Will the incident affect Delta’s flight schedule?
Delta cancelled the two affected flights for the day but kept the rest of its schedule intact. Minor ripple delays were expected across the airport for about an hour.
What safety measures are being considered to prevent future ground collisions?
The FAA is reviewing LaGuardia’s taxiway signage and may mandate the installation of advanced surface movement radar. Delta also plans to enhance its ground‑crew training and reinforce read‑back procedures.
Is there any indication of injuries among crew members?
Three crew members reported minor bruises after exiting the aircraft; no serious injuries or medical evacuations were required.
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