Delta Regional Jets Collide on LaGuardia Taxiway NTSB Probes

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating a rare taxiway collision at New York’s LaGuardia Airport after two Delta Air Lines regional jets struck each other Wednesday night, injuring one person and alarming dozens of passengers.

The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. at the intersection of taxiways M and A when the wing of Delta flight 5155, operated by Endeavor Air, struck the cockpit windows of Delta flight 5047, also operated by the regional carrier.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), flight 5047 had just arrived from Charlotte, North Carolina, while flight 5155 was preparing for departure to Roanoke, Virginia. Air traffic control had instructed flight 5155 to hold position, but its wing clipped the nose of the arriving aircraft.

“Our pilot slammed on the brakes, but unfortunately, we t-boned the other plane,” passenger Nate Cicero said. “Once you looked out the window and saw the other plane there, we were going right towards them. It was an inevitable crash.”

Injuries and Immediate Response

One flight attendant on flight 5155 sustained a knee injury, and one person was taken to a local hospital, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. No other injuries were reported among the 57 passengers on flight 5047 and the 28 passengers on flight 5155.

The affected passengers were transported to the terminal by bus and provided with hotel accommodation and meals. The Port Authority said the incident did not disrupt other airport operations.

Investigation Underway

A 10-member NTSB team has been dispatched to LaGuardia. Both aircraft’s flight recorders have been recovered and sent to NTSB headquarters in Washington, D.C., for analysis.

“The NTSB dispatched a team of 10 to LaGuardia,” spokesman Eric Weiss confirmed. “Flight recorders from both airplanes have been recovered and are now at NTSB headquarters for readout and analysis.”

The NTSB typically issues a preliminary report within 30 days and a full report — including the probable cause — within 12 to 18 months.

Delta Air Lines expressed regret in a statement:

“Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred, as the safety of our customers and people comes before all else. We apologize to our customers for the experience.”

Background and Safety Context

Taxiway collisions are rare at major U.S. airports due to strict ground traffic management and advanced guidance systems. The incident has renewed attention to runway and taxiway safety protocols, especially during peak travel hours.

The FAA said its investigation will focus on communication between air traffic control and the pilots involved.

The NTSB’s findings in the coming weeks will determine whether human error, miscommunication, or other factors caused the collision. Both aircraft remain grounded pending inspection.