Planes clip wings at DCA with members of Congress on board

WASHINGTON - A plane hit another plane's wing while on the runway at Reagan National Airport Thursday afternoon, according to American Airlines. 

What we know:

Two American Airlines planes clipped wings at Reagan Airport, according to the FAA. One flight was bound for JFK International Airport and the other was headed to Charleston International Airport. 

"While waiting to take off on the runway at DCA just now, another plane struck our wing. Thankfully, everyone is safe," posted New Jersey Representative Josh Gottheimer Tuesday afternoon. 

"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. Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok," said New York Representative Nick LaLota. 

Photo via Rep. Nick LaLota.

According to LaLota, New York Representative Grace Meng was also on board the flight, "handing out grapes."  

Both aircraft have returned to gates and no injuries were reported. 

What's next:

The FAA said in a statement that they would investigate the incident. 

There is no effect on flight operations at Reagan Airport, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority.

Why you should care:

Given the fatal crash in January that left 67 people dead — and a seemingly non-stop list of aircraft safety incidents here at Reagan National Airport — this will only add to the concern about what’s going on at this airport.

In February, the Trump administration began firing several hundred Federal Aviation Administration employees who were probationary workers, new to their positions. 

The impacted workers included personnel hired for FAA radar, landing and navigational aid maintenance, one air traffic controller told The Associated Press. At the time, transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said fewer than 400 FAA employees were fired. 

Federal officials have been raising concerns about an overtaxed and understaffed air traffic control system for years.

New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat was also on the plane Thursday, according to a post on X. 

"Aviation mishaps are at an all-time high, and the Trump administration’s reckless decision to fire FAA control staff has put us all in danger," said Espaillat. "We are thankful that no one was injured and that a catastrophe was avoided."

U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine issued a statement following the incident:

"Thank God no one was hurt this time. We need a full investigation into this incident as soon as possible. We have said this over and over and hate having to say it again: when planes are taking off and landing every minute of the day, FAA funding is cut, air traffic controllers are fired, and current staff is spread thinner to cover more—that is when mistakes happen. The traveling public deserves action."