Two Delta aircraft Collide on Runway at LaGuardia Airport

Two fully loaded Delta jets collided on the runway at LaGuardia Airport, causing significant damage to both planes. Authorities and passengers reported the incident occurred Wednesday night, with one aircraft’s nose and a large part of its wing being torn apart in the crash.

The incident happened just before 10 p.m., involving a regional aircraft departing for Roanoke, Virginia, with 32 passengers, and an arriving flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, with 61 passengers. The departing plane’s wing clipped the fuselage of the inbound aircraft, resulting in extensive damage. Audio recordings captured one pilot noting that the right wing hit their nose and cockpit, damaging the windshield and some screens inside.

Damaged nose of a Delta regional jet after the collision at LaGuardia. — The damaged nose of a regional Delta jet after the collision at LaGuardia Airport. X / @oren_juice

Photographs from the scene revealed a shattered windshield and a battered nose of one aircraft, along with a large torn-off section of a wing. Despite the damage, no passengers were injured in the crash. One flight attendant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.

Passengers shared their experiences: Joey Annunziato, traveling from Charlotte, described the impact as “super jarring,” recalling that everyone was propelled forward in their seats. Another passenger, William Lusk, recounted that their plane suddenly stopped and jerked to the right upon landing, prompting the pilot to calmly inform everyone of the collision.

Damaged aircraft on LaGuardia tarmac. — A damaged aircraft sits on the tarmac following the late-night collision. X / @oren_juice

It’s unclear what caused the crash, occurring amid the early hours of a government shutdown threatening federal services, including air traffic control staffing. Concerned airline officials had warned that the shutdown could slow flights due to reduced personnel at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Authorities confirmed that LaGuardia’s overall airport operations continued normally after the incident. Delta Airlines announced an investigation into the collision, pledging to cooperate with federal agencies and emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety. They apologized to travelers affected by the incident.