Two American Airlines jets clip wings on runway at Reagan airport

BBC - Apr 10th, 2025
Open on BBC

Two American Airlines jets experienced a minor collision on the runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, with the wingtip of one aircraft striking another. This incident occurred just months after a fatal crash in the vicinity. Among the passengers were at least two members of Congress, Nick LaLota and Grace Meng, who confirmed that no one was injured. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the collision, which involved Flight 5490 headed to Charleston and Flight 4522 headed to JFK, with both aircraft returning to gates and taken out of service for inspection.

The incident has drawn attention due to its occurrence shortly after a deadly crash at the same airport, where a helicopter collided with a jetliner in January, resulting in 67 deaths. The ongoing investigation from that tragedy has led to recommendations for restricting certain helicopter operations near the airport. The recent collision, though minor and without injuries, highlights ongoing concerns about runway safety and air traffic control measures. American Airlines has reiterated its commitment to safety and has apologized to customers for the experience, while the FAA's investigation continues to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and accurate account of a minor collision between two American Airlines jets at Reagan National Airport. It scores highly across most dimensions due to its reliance on credible sources, clear structure, and timely reporting. The inclusion of perspectives from involved Congress members and official statements from the FAA and American Airlines enhance the story's credibility and public interest value. While the article could benefit from additional viewpoints and context regarding the broader implications of aviation safety, it remains a reliable and informative piece. The story's ability to engage readers and provoke discussion is somewhat limited by the lack of dramatic elements, but it still contributes meaningfully to ongoing conversations about air travel safety and airport operations.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the incident of two American Airlines jets clipping wings on the runway at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The details given, such as the time of the incident, the types of aircraft involved, and the lack of injuries, are consistent with the facts provided by authoritative sources like the FAA and American Airlines. The mention of Congress members being aboard one of the planes is also verified, with specific names and statements included. There is a minor discrepancy regarding the previous deadly crash, where the story states 67 fatalities, but this detail aligns with other reports, suggesting no significant inaccuracy. Overall, the story is precise and well-supported by credible sources.

8
Balance

The article maintains a balanced perspective by presenting viewpoints from various stakeholders, including the FAA, American Airlines, and passengers such as members of Congress. By including statements from both political parties, the article avoids any apparent bias. However, the story could be enhanced by including more perspectives, such as those from aviation experts or passengers not involved in politics, to provide a more rounded view of the incident's implications. Nonetheless, the current balance is adequate for the incident's scope.

9
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, concise language that makes it easy to understand. The sequence of events is logically presented, starting with the incident details, followed by responses from involved parties, and concluding with context about the previous crash. The tone remains neutral and informative throughout, ensuring that the reader can grasp the incident's significance without confusion. The inclusion of direct quotes adds to the clarity by providing firsthand accounts of the event.

9
Source quality

The sources cited in the article are highly credible, including official statements from the FAA and American Airlines. The involvement of public figures like Congress members adds an additional layer of reliability, as their public statements are typically scrutinized for accuracy. The article does not rely on anonymous sources or unverified claims, which strengthens its credibility. The use of direct quotes from involved parties also enhances the article's trustworthiness.

8
Transparency

The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly attributing information to specific sources such as the FAA, American Airlines, and individual Congress members. It provides sufficient context about the incident and the previous crash at the same airport. However, the article could improve transparency by explaining the methodology behind the investigation or detailing any potential conflicts of interest, particularly concerning the previous crash's ongoing investigation.

Sources

  1. https://wtop.com/arlington/2025/04/near-collision-investigation-reveals-reagan-national-airport-controllers-failed-to-stop-flights-during-military-flyover/
  2. https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/transportation/another-near-miss-on-the-runway-at-reagan-national-airport-sparks-faa-investigation/3628167/
  3. https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-04-10-plane-wing-clips-jet-at-reagan-airport-with-5-members-of-congress-on-board/
  4. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crash-reagan-national-airport-washington-dc/
  5. https://6abc.com/post/wingtip-american-airlines-plane-hits-another-aircraft-carrying-several-us-congress-members-washington-airport/16153448/