Two Delta Air Lines regional jets operated by Endeavor Air collided while taxiing on Wednesday night at LaGuardia Airport. A flight attendant was slightly injured; no passengers were harmed, officials said.
The incident occurred at 9:56 p.m. Endeavor flight 5155, preparing for departure to Roanoke, Virginia, clipped its wing against the fuselage of Endeavor flight 5047. The latter had just arrived from Charlotte, North Carolina. This is according to preliminary information released by Delta. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the collision took place at low speed. The incident did not affect airport operations.
Air traffic control audio caught a pilot immediately reporting: “Their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit. We have damage to our windscreen and … some of our screens in here,” the pilot said calmly.
Crew Member Injured, Passengers Unharmed
Delta confirmed that a flight attendant suffered a minor injury and was transported to a nearby hospital as a precaution. No passengers were injured in the incident, according to the Port Authority. Passengers from both planes were deplaned on the taxiway and then bused back to Terminal C. Delta teams assisted with rebooking, accommodations, and food service for those whose travel was disrupted.
“Delta teams at our New York-LaGuardia hub are working to ensure our customers are taken care of after two Delta Connection aircraft operated by Endeavor Air were involved in a low-speed collision during taxi,” Delta said in a statement. “Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred, as safety comes before all else. We apologize to our customers for the experience.”
Investigations Underway
The airline said it will cooperate with the Port Authority, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) as investigators review the circumstances leading up to the collision. According to the Associated Press, the NTSB has already retrieved the flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders from both aircraft. The NTSB will analyze them in Washington, D.C.
Officials have not yet indicated whether human error, ground congestion, or other contributing factors were involved in the incident. Collisions between jets on taxiways are rare, but they have occurred at other U.S. airports. In 2017, for example, two aircraft collided during icy conditions at JFK Airport. No one was injured in that incident.
Passenger Accounts
Though Wednesday’s crash was described as “low-speed,” some passengers reported a jarring impact. CBS News producer Joey Annunziato, who was aboard the Charlotte flight, described the moment as “absolutely smashed.” He added, “Everyone shot forward in their seats, and it was kind of a little chaotic as soon as it happened. We were shocked at what happened.”
Another traveler, William Lusk, told ABC News his plane suddenly “stopped, jerked, and jumped to the right.” The pilot immediately addressed passengers: “Hey, we’ve been in a crash. Everyone, remain calm.”
Photos from the scene circulated on social media. They showed one aircraft with a shattered cockpit windshield and crumpled nose. The other jet was missing part of its wing.
Broader Concerns
The mishap occurred as the federal government shutdown entered its first full day. This has heightened concerns about the resilience of U.S. aviation operations. Essential personnel, such as air traffic controllers, continue to work during shutdowns. Industry leaders warn that operating without pay places additional stress on safety systems. It remains unclear whether staffing played any role at LaGuardia.
For Delta, the accident adds to a challenging year for its regional affiliate, Endeavor Air. Endeavor faced separate operational disruptions earlier in 2025. Aviation experts say such ground collisions often serve as reminders of the thin margin for error at busy hub airports. Dozens of aircraft may be maneuvering simultaneously at these locations.
As investigators review the sequence of events, federal authorities are expected to release preliminary findings in the coming weeks. For now, passengers and crew are counting themselves fortunate. What could have been a devastating accident ended with only minor injuries.
