According to many senators from the United States, an aircraft “bumped” into their wing while they were waiting to take off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on Thursday.
There were no injuries reported, according to a tweet by Republican New York Representative Nick LaLota on X.
“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,” said LaLota.
In an initial statement, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) verified that at around 12:45 p.m. local time, American Airlines Flight 5490’s wingtip collided with American Airlines Flight 4522 on a taxiway at DCA.
A Bombardier CRJ 900 en route to Charleston International Airport in South Carolina and an Embraer E175 en route to JFK International Airport in New York were the two aircraft that were engaged in the wing clip.
The event was also verified in a statement by the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.
“There is no effect on flight operations at Reagan National Airport, as both aircraft have returned to gates and no injuries were reported,” according to the announcement.
According to LaLota, while waiting to return to the gate, passengers were given food by Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., who was also on board the plane.
“I am relieved to hear that both my coworkers and I are doing well. We are on the tarmac and secure, but we might have to restock on munchies,” Meng added in her X post. “I’m grateful no one was hurt today, but this incident underscores this urgent need [to] restore all FAA jobs that keep our runways safe.”
The jet was carrying Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) when another plane allegedly clipped its wing.
“While waiting to take off on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing,” said Gottheimer. “Thankfully, everyone is safe.”
Not to mention, the Democrat cautioned, “Just a reminder: Recent cuts to the FAA weaken our skies and public safety.”
There will be an investigation into the event, according to the FAA.
