Delta Regional Jets Collide at LaGuardia Airport Highlighting Ground Safety Risks

Delta Regional Jets Collision at LaGuardia Airport: Analysis of Ground Safety Trends in Commercial Aviation

On October 2, 2025, two Delta Connection regional jets operated by Endeavor Air collided at low speed while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The incident, involving flights 5155 (departing to Roanoke, VA) and 5047 (arriving from Charlotte, NC), resulted in one minor crew injury and significant aircraft damage, but no passenger injuries. While operations at the airport continued, the collision highlights broader safety and operational challenges facing the aviation sector, particularly the increasing prevalence and cost of ground-based incidents.

This event is not isolated; it reflects a global trend where ground incidents now comprise a majority of aviation mishaps. The rise of such events is attributed to factors like workforce shortages, aging infrastructure, and the growing complexity of modern aircraft. The LaGuardia collision underscores the need for renewed attention to ground safety protocols as the industry adapts to post-pandemic realities and evolving operational risks.

In this article, we examine the historical context of LaGuardia’s safety record, analyze the details of the October 2025 incident, explore regulatory and economic implications, and assess industry-wide trends in ground-based aviation incidents.

Historical Context and LaGuardia Airports Safety Record

LaGuardia Airport has a long history of both major and minor aviation incidents. Since its inception, the airport has faced unique safety challenges due to its geographic constraints, high traffic volume, and proximity to water. Notable historical incidents include runway overruns, such as the 1945 Eastern Air Lines Flight 14 accident, and the 1947 United Airlines Flight 521 crash, which together highlighted the perils of operating in a dense, urban environment.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, LaGuardia saw several tragic accidents, including Northeast Airlines Flight 823 (1957) and American Airlines Flight 320 (1959), both resulting in significant loss of life. The infamous 1960 mid-air collision involving a TWA flight bound for LaGuardia further cemented the airport’s place in discussions about aviation safety and accident prevention.

More recent decades have seen incidents with less catastrophic outcomes but persistent operational concerns. The 1989 and 1992 USAir accidents, the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” and runway excursions in 2013 and 2015 all underscore the ongoing risks at LaGuardia. These events reflect the challenges of operating at a busy, geographically constrained airport and the importance of continual safety improvements.

“LaGuardia’s safety record is emblematic of the evolving challenges faced by legacy airports in adapting to modern aviation demands.”

Details of the October 2025 Collision Incident

The October 2, 2025 incident involved two Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jets operated by Endeavor Air. Flight 5155, preparing to depart for Roanoke, VA, struck Flight 5047, which had just arrived from Charlotte, NC. The collision occurred at approximately 9:58 PM on a taxiway, with the wing of the departing aircraft making contact with the nose and fuselage of the arriving aircraft.

There were a total of 93 people aboard both aircraft, 85 passengers and 8 crew members. Only one flight attendant suffered minor injuries; no passengers were harmed. Video footage and passenger accounts confirm visible damage to the wing and nose of the aircraft, and emergency vehicles responded promptly. Both aircraft were evacuated, and affected passengers were provided with accommodations and rebooking assistance by Delta.

The incident did not disrupt overall airport operations, indicating effective emergency management and containment. However, the damage to the aircraft was significant, affecting cockpit windscreens and avionics, and underscoring the potential for costly repairs and operational delays even in non-fatal ground incidents.

“Their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit, we have damage to our windscreen and some of our screens in here.” , ATC audio from the incident

Aircraft and Operational Context

The Bombardier CRJ-900 is a common regional jet in North America, typically seating 70–76 passengers. Both aircraft involved were operated by Endeavor Air, Delta’s wholly owned regional subsidiary. The CRJ-900’s design, with fuselage-mounted engines and compact dimensions, is optimized for short- to medium-haul routes and frequent operations at busy airports like LaGuardia.

Regional operations present unique safety challenges, including narrower taxiways, more congested ramp areas, and increased frequency of ground handling. Despite LaGuardia’s status as a major hub with experienced ground crews, the incident demonstrates that even well-resourced airports are not immune to ground collisions.

Delta Connection’s network, operated by multiple regional partners, is governed by scope clause agreements that influence fleet composition and deployment. These operational realities can affect everything from crew training to ground handling procedures, impacting the risk profile for ground incidents.

Investigation and Regulatory Response Framework

Following the collision, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) initiated standard investigative procedures. The FAA focuses on regulatory compliance, reviewing pilot credentials, maintenance records, and ATC procedures, while the NTSB seeks to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations.

Investigations of ground collisions examine air traffic control communications, taxiway design, crew training, and environmental factors such as weather and lighting. Human factors analysis is central, as situational awareness, communication, and procedural adherence are often pivotal in such incidents.

Delta Air Lines has pledged full cooperation, emphasizing its commitment to safety and transparency. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates LaGuardia, also participates in the investigation and has confirmed that the event did not disrupt broader airport functions.

“Delta will work with all relevant authorities to review what occurred, as safety of our customers and people comes before all else.” , Delta Air Lines statement

Economic Impact and Aircraft Repair Costs

The financial ramifications of ground incidents like the LaGuardia collision are substantial. Aircraft repair costs have risen sharply in recent years, outpacing general inflation due to the complexity of modern aircraft and supply chain disruptions. Even for regional jets, repairs involving avionics, wings, or structural elements can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per aircraft.

Industry data indicates that wingtip repairs on traditional aircraft may cost less than $50,000, but repairs involving composite materials or critical systems can exceed $1.5 million on larger or more advanced aircraft. Additionally, airlines incur consequential losses from aircraft downtime, lost revenue, and the need to lease replacement aircraft during repairs.

Insurance claims for ground incidents have become more frequent and costly, with ground claims now comprising a significant share of large-value payouts. The rise in repair costs and operational disruptions is driving up premiums and hull deductibles, impacting airline bottom lines and insurance industry risk models.

Industry Trends in Ground-Based Aviation Incidents

Ground incidents now account for approximately 64% of worldwide aviation incidents, reflecting a shift in the risk landscape as in-flight accident rates have declined. Factors driving this trend include workforce shortages, increased operational complexity, and aging airport infrastructure, particularly as the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Workforce turnover has resulted in less experienced ground personnel, while climate change has increased the frequency of weather-related ground incidents such as hail, lightning, and flooding. Congested airports and outdated taxiway systems further compound risks, especially during peak traffic periods.

Technological solutions, such as improved ground surveillance, proximity sensors, and advanced communication systems, are being deployed to mitigate these risks. However, adoption is uneven, and investment in ground safety often competes with other operational priorities. The insurance industry’s response, including higher premiums and stricter coverage terms, provides additional incentives for airlines to invest in loss prevention and risk management.

“Ground incidents are now the dominant source of aviation claims exceeding $10 million, reflecting both higher repair costs and more complex operational environments.”

Safety Management Systems and Regulatory Evolution

In response to the rise in ground incidents, regulatory agencies have expanded Safety Management System (SMS) requirements to encompass not just airlines but also airports, maintenance organizations, and ground handlers. SMS frameworks mandate systematic hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation across all operational areas.

Voluntary reporting programs and data-driven safety initiatives are increasingly used to identify trends and prevent incidents before they occur. Training requirements for ground personnel, flight crews, and maintenance staff are being updated to reflect the evolving risk profile and the need for enhanced coordination and communication.

International coordination, particularly through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is essential for standardizing ground safety practices and ensuring consistent implementation across borders. The effectiveness of these measures depends on collaboration among regulators, industry stakeholders, and labor organizations.

Broader Aviation Safety Implications and Future Considerations

The LaGuardia collision highlights a fundamental shift in aviation risk management. While flight safety has improved dramatically, ground safety now requires similar attention and resources. The incident demonstrates that even routine ground operations can result in costly accidents, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and adaptation.

Future improvements will depend on sustained investment in technology, training, and infrastructure, as well as regulatory frameworks that promote proactive risk management. The aviation industry must balance operational efficiency with safety, ensuring that lessons from incidents like the LaGuardia collision inform continuous improvement and public confidence in air travel.

FAQ

What happened during the Delta regional jet collision at LaGuardia?
Two Bombardier CRJ-900 regional jets operated by Endeavor Air for Delta Connection collided at low speed while taxiing on October 2, 2025. One flight attendant was injured. No passengers were harmed.

What caused the collision?
The wing of the departing aircraft (Flight 5155) struck the nose and fuselage of the arriving aircraft (Flight 5047) during taxi operations. Investigation is ongoing, focusing on operational coordination, communication, and possible procedural lapses.

How common are ground incidents in aviation?
Ground incidents now account for about 64% of worldwide aviation incidents (excluding light aircraft), a trend driven by workforce changes, infrastructure limitations, and increased operational complexity.

How much does it cost to repair aircraft after such incidents?
Repair costs depend on the extent of damage and aircraft type. Wingtip repairs may cost under $50,000 on traditional aircraft, but can exceed $1.5 million on modern, composite-rich aircraft. Additional costs include operational disruptions and insurance claims.

What are airlines and regulators doing to improve ground safety?
Airlines and regulators are expanding Safety Management Systems, investing in technology (such as ground surveillance and proximity sensors), enhancing training, and improving coordination among all ground operations stakeholders.

Sources:
ABC7NY