Air National Guard Jets Collide at Westchester County Airport in New York

Close Call at LaGuardia: Planes Brush Wings on Runway

New York, NY – A Delta Air Lines flight experienced a frightening incident at LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday evening as it grazed another of the airline’s planes while taxiing. While no serious injuries were reported, the event prompted an immediate inquiry by aviation authorities.

Details of the Incident

According to airport officials and Delta Air Lines representatives, the collision occurred around 10:00 PM local time. One aircraft, a CRJ900 operated by Endeavor Air, was landing, while the other was preparing for takeoff. A wing of the departing plane made contact with the fuselage of the arriving aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the occurrence.

Initial reports indicate that one passenger was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. A member of the flight crew also sustained minor injuries. Both planes involved, identified as CRJ900 regional jets, remained at the airport following the incident. LaGuardia Airport maintained full operational status,and no notable delays were reported.

A Review Of airport Safety

Delta Air Lines has pledged full cooperation with investigators, promising to thoroughly review safety protocols and procedures. The airline characterized the incident as a “low-speed collision during rolling,” emphasizing its commitment to passenger and crew safety. According to the FAA, there were a total of 93 passengers and crew members aboard the two aircraft.

The incident underscores the complex choreography involved in modern air travel and the rigorous safety measures in place to prevent such occurrences. In 2023, the FAA reported an average of approximately 1.6 incidents per 100,000 flights involving runway incursions,highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and continuous enhancement in airport operations.

Detail	Data
Date of Incident	Wednesday Evening, October 3, 2025
Location	New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Airlines Involved	Delta Air lines / Endeavor Air
Aircraft Type	CRJ900 Regional Jet
Injuries Reported	One passenger and one crew member with minor injuries

Did You Know? LaGuardia Airport is consistently ranked among the busiest airports in the United States, handling tens of millions of passengers annually.

Pro Tip: For real-time flight status updates and potential travel disruptions, always check your airline’s website or use a flight tracking app before heading to the airport.

What impact do you think this incident will have on airport safety protocols? Do you feel confident in the safety measures currently in place at major airports?

Understanding Airport Collision Risks

Airport collisions, while rare, can stem from various factors, including communication errors, visibility issues, and procedural deviations. Modern airports employ a layered approach to safety, including advanced surveillance systems, strict adherence to air traffic control instructions, and ongoing training for pilots and ground personnel.

the FAA continuously updates its safety regulations and invests in new technologies to mitigate these risks. These technologies include surface movement radar, which provides air traffic controllers with a clearer picture of aircraft and vehicle movements on the ground, and runway status lights, which visually alert pilots to potential hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions about Airport Collisions

• What causes airport collisions? Airport collisions can be caused by communication errors, visibility issues, or procedural deviations.
• What is the FAA doing to prevent accidents? The FAA continuously updates safety regulations and invests in new technologies like surface movement radar.
• Are regional jets safer than larger aircraft? all commercial aircraft undergo rigorous safety inspections and adhere to strict standards, regardless of size.
• What should passengers do if they experience a near-miss incident? Passengers should follow the instructions of the flight crew and cooperate with any investigations.
• How often do these types of incidents occur? While infrequent, the FAA reported a rate of approximately 1.6 runway incursion incidents per 100,000 flights in 2023.
• What is a runway incursion? A runway incursion occurs when an aircraft, vehicle, or person is on the runway without authorization.

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What specific training exercise were the F-16s participating in at the time of the collision?

Incident Overview: Westchester Airport Collision

On October 3, 2025, a mid-air collision involving two Air National Guard jets occurred at Westchester County Airport (HPN) in White Plains, New York. The incident, which took place during a training exercise, has prompted an immediate investigation by both the Air National Guard and the Federal Aviation Management (FAA). Initial reports confirm that both aircraft were F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 102nd Fighter Wing based out of Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts.

The collision occurred at approximately[timeofCollision-[timeofCollision-to be updated as data becomes available], sparking concerns about aviation safety and prompting a temporary grounding of similar aircraft for inspection.This event highlights the inherent risks associated with military flight training and the importance of stringent safety protocols.

Details of the Aircraft Involved

Both aircraft involved were F-16 Fighting Falcons, versatile multirole fighter jets widely used by the U.S.Air force and Air National Guard.

* F-16 Fighting Falcon: A single-engine, supersonic, multirole fighter aircraft.

* 102nd Fighter Wing: Based at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, specializing in air dominance and close air support.

* Aircraft Status: Both aircraft were participating in a routine training mission when the collision occurred.Details regarding the specific nature of the training exercise are currently under investigation.

Immediate Aftermath and Pilot status

Following the collision, both pilots successfully ejected from their aircraft. They were immediately recovered and transported to local hospitals for evaluation.

* Pilot Condition: As of[TimeofUpdate-[TimeofUpdate-to be updated as information becomes available],both pilots are reported to be in stable condition.

* Emergency Response: Local fire and rescue teams responded swiftly to the scene, securing the area and ensuring no further hazards existed.

* Airport Operations: Westchester County Airport was temporarily closed following the incident, causing meaningful disruptions to commercial and private flights. Normal operations resumed at[TimeofReopening-[TimeofReopening-to be updated as information becomes available]after a thorough assessment of the runway and surrounding airspace.

Investigation and Potential Causes

The FAA and Air National Guard have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the collision.Several factors are being considered:

* Air traffic Control: Review of communication logs and radar data to assess the role of air traffic control.

* Weather conditions: Examination of weather reports to determine if visibility or other atmospheric conditions contributed to the incident.

* mechanical Failure: Inspection of aircraft maintenance records and potential mechanical issues.

* Human Error: Analysis of pilot actions and decision-making processes.

* Training Protocols: Evaluation of the training exercise procedures and safety measures in place.

Impact on Air National Guard Operations

The collision has prompted a temporary operational pause for F-16 aircraft within the Air National guard. This “safety stand-down” allows for a thorough review of safety procedures and aircraft maintenance protocols.

* Safety Stand-Down: A temporary suspension of flight operations to allow for safety reviews and inspections.

* fleet-Wide Inspection: A thorough inspection of all F-16 aircraft to identify any potential mechanical issues or maintenance concerns.

* Protocol Review: A comprehensive review of flight training procedures and safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Westchester County Airport & Local Impact

Westchester County Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the New York metropolitan area.The temporary closure caused significant travel disruptions.

* Flight Cancellations & Delays: Hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed as a result of the airport closure.

* Passenger Impact: Thousands of passengers were affected, requiring airlines to rebook flights and provide accommodations.

* Local Community: The incident raised concerns among residents living near the airport regarding aviation safety.

Previous Air National Guard Incidents (Contextual Information)

While collisions are rare, the Air National Guard has experienced other incidents involving fighter jets in recent years.

* 2019 – F-16 Crash in Missouri: An F-16 crashed during a training exercise near Jefferson city, Missouri, resulting in the pilot’s death. The investigation cited mechanical failure as the primary cause.

* 2020 – F-35 crash in Florida: An F-35 Lightning II crashed during a training exercise near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The investigation pointed to a pilot error as the contributing factor.

* 2022 – T-38 Talon Crash in Texas: Two T-38 Talon trainers collided near Del Rio, texas, resulting in the death of one pilot. The investigation is still ongoing.

These past incidents underscore the importance of continuous safety improvements and rigorous training within the Air national Guard.

Resources and Further Information

* Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): https://www.faa.gov/

* Air National Guard: https://www.ang.af.mil/

* Westchester County Airport (HPN): [https://[https://