The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation after two American Airlines regional jets made contact on a taxiway at Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport on Thursday afternoon.
According to a statement from the FAA, the wingtip of American Airlines Flight 5490 clipped Flight 4522 at approximately 12:45 p.m. while both planes were taxiing. Flight 5490 was bound for Charleston, South Carolina, and Flight 4522 was headed to New York’s JFK International Airport — with seven members of Congress reportedly on board.
In addition, CNN reported that Keith and Aviva Siegel, two former Israeli hostages, were passengers on the JFK-bound flight.
Air traffic control audio captured by LiveATC.net reveals a pilot from Flight 5490 radioing the tower after the incident: “BlueStreak 5490, did we hit the aircraft next to us? We just heard a loud boom, like a thunk.” BlueStreak is the callsign used by PSA Airlines, which operates regional flights for American Airlines. Flight 4522 was operated by Republic Airways.
Ground crews later confirmed that a portion of the winglet from one of the planes had broken off and was visible on the tarmac.
Several lawmakers on board took to social media to share their experience. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) described the moment as “insane,” while Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) wrote, “Another plane just bumped into our wing. Thankfully everyone is OK.” He added a lighthearted note, mentioning that Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) was handing out grapes to calm passengers.
However, others struck a more serious tone. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) called for increased FAA funding, saying, “This close call underscores the urgent need for more FAA funding — people’s lives are at stake.”
The airport confirmed that both aircraft returned safely to their gates and no injuries were reported. There was no impact on overall airport operations.
This incident follows a series of troubling events at Reagan National Airport, including a fatal midair collision in January that killed 67 people and a recent military flyover that narrowly avoided a departing commercial flight.
Critics have pointed to longstanding concerns over FAA staffing shortages and safety protocols. Some former air traffic controllers have cited changes to hiring practices — including a push for greater Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) — as contributing to these challenges. Others have raised concerns about the FAA’s so-called “immunity program,” which critics argue shields underperforming employees from accountability.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are continuing to investigate the collision. A 2023 report had previously warned that strained staffing and last-minute rerouting by air traffic control posed increasing risks to flight safety across the country.
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