Things can change on a dime in the world of politics. But this is not what anyone was expecting.
And a plane crash involving these congressmembers has Washington, D.C. in a frenzy.
On Thursday afternoon, April 10, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), a minor yet startling collision unfolded on the tarmac. At least six members of Congress from New York and New Jersey found themselves aboard an American Airlines flight bound for JFK when it was unexpectedly struck by another aircraft.
The incident, occurring at the beginning of a two-week recess for Passover and Easter, stirred up quick reactions from the lawmakers involved.
A Bumpy Ride for Representatives
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY) from Suffolk County took to X to share the unusual moment: “Serving in Congress has come with some once in a lifetime experiences … like just now while stationary on the runway at DCA, another plane just bumped into our wing. Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok!” He even injected a bit of levity, noting, “(And @RepGraceMeng is handing out grapes!)” — a nod to his Queens colleague, Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), who was also on board.
Serving in Congress has come with some once in a lifetime experiences… like just now while stationary on the runway at DCA, another plane just bumped into our wing. Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok! (And @RepGraceMeng is handing out grapes!) pic.twitter.com/bOo1JNXZDh
— Congressman Nick LaLota (@RepLaLota) April 10, 2025
Alongside LaLota and Meng were four other regional Democrats: Reps. Adriano Espaillat, Ritchie Torres, and Gregory Meeks of New York, plus Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey. The group was aboard the JFK-bound flight when an American Eagle Bombardier CRJ900, headed for Charleston, SC, made contact at 12:45 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which promptly announced it would “investigate” the mishap.
Airline Response and Safety Assurances
An American Airlines spokesperson addressed the incident with the New York Post: “American Eagle flight 5490, operated by PSA Airlines, made contact on a DCA taxiway with American Eagle flight 4522, operated by Republic Airways. Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience.” Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and a DCA spokesperson confirmed that other flights continued without disruption.
Calls for FAA Action
The lawmakers didn’t let the moment pass without spotlighting deeper concerns. Rep. Josh Gottheimer seized the opportunity to critique recent FAA budget cuts, posting on X: “While waiting to take off on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing. Thankfully, everyone is safe.” He argued that the collision highlighted how “recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety.”
Rep. Grace Meng echoed the sentiment, blending gratitude with a push for reform: “Glad my colleagues and I are okay! We are safely waiting on the tarmac, but we may need more snacks,” she wrote on X. “I’m grateful no one was hurt today, but this incident underscores this urgent need restore all FAA jobs that keep our runways safe.”
A Troubled Airport in the Spotlight
Reagan National, nestled in one of the nation’s busiest and trickiest airspaces, has faced growing scrutiny since a devastating mid-air crash on January 29, 2025, claimed 67 lives — the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001.
That tragedy, involving an American Airlines plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, prompted some changes, like rerouting a conflicting helicopter path. Yet, the airport continues to grapple with close calls.
Recent Near-Misses Add Context
Just weeks ago, on March 29, a Delta Airlines flight with 136 passengers narrowly avoided disaster during takeoff when it nearly collided with four Northrop T38 Talons en route to an Arlington National Cemetery flyover.
The very next day, a United Airlines plane landing at DCA struck a kite — an encounter experts warned could have turned catastrophic if the kite had been pulled into an engine. These incidents paint a picture of an airport under strain, amplifying the lawmakers’ calls for action after their own tarmac scare.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
