Terrifying Delta landing mishap: Plane’s wing scrapes runway at LaGuardia!

A Delta Air Lines flight from Jacksonville, Florida, to LaGuardia Airport encountered a tense landing situation on Sunday night when its left wing struck the runway during touchdown, prompting the pilots to abort the attempt and perform a go-around maneuver, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:10 p.m., did not result in any injuries, and all 76 passengers and four crew members were confirmed safe after the aircraft successfully landed on its second attempt.

What Happened During Delta’s LaGuardia Landing Incident?

The aircraft involved was a CRJ-900 regional jet operated by Endeavor Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. As it made its final approach to LaGuardia, the left wing of the plane made contact with the runway, forcing the pilots to quickly react by pulling the aircraft back into the air and preparing for another landing attempt.

Air traffic control audio captured a conversation between the flight crew and ground controllers shortly after the go-around. A controller notified the pilots that sparks had been observed coming from one of the wings during the approach. The pilots responded that they had not noticed any unusual behavior from the aircraft but would conduct a full check upon landing.

Despite the potential danger of the situation, the aircraft landed safely on its second attempt, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees operations at LaGuardia Airport, confirmed that there were no reported injuries. Additionally, the incident did not disrupt other flight operations at the airport.

What is a Go-Around, and How Often Does It Occur?

A go-around is a standard aviation procedure in which pilots discontinue a landing approach and return the aircraft to a safe altitude before attempting another landing. While it is often perceived by passengers as an emergency action, go-arounds are common in commercial aviation and are executed for various reasons, including unstable approaches, sudden wind changes, and runway obstructions.

Aviation analysts emphasize that go-arounds are part of routine safety measures, ensuring that pilots only commit to a landing when conditions are ideal. However, in this case, the contact between the aircraft’s wing and the runway raises questions about what led to the unusual descent and whether mechanical factors, environmental conditions, or human error played a role.

Why is the CRJ-900 Under Scrutiny?

The Bombardier CRJ-900 is a widely used regional jet that serves short-haul routes for major airlines. While generally regarded as reliable, this is not the first time an Endeavor-operated CRJ-900 has been involved in a landing mishap. Earlier this year, another CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air skidded off the runway while attempting to land in Toronto, prompting safety concerns about the aircraft’s handling characteristics in challenging landing conditions.

Although no direct connection has been made between the two incidents, aviation safety experts have pointed out that multiple landing-related events involving the same aircraft model and operator warrant a closer examination of both pilot training procedures and the performance of the CRJ-900 under different weather and runway conditions.

How Has Delta Responded to the Incident?

Delta Air Lines has issued an apology to passengers, acknowledging the disruption and reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety. The affected CRJ-900 aircraft has been removed from service while Delta’s maintenance teams conduct a detailed inspection to assess any structural damage and determine the necessary repairs. The airline has not provided a specific timeline for when the aircraft will return to service, as safety protocols require a thorough examination following a runway contact event before it can be cleared for flight.

The airline has also assured passengers that its operational standards remain among the highest in the industry, with rigorous maintenance programs and ongoing pilot training to handle unexpected situations.

What Happens Next in the FAA Investigation?

The FAA has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators will focus on multiple factors, including the actions of the flight crew, the aircraft’s maintenance records, and weather conditions at the time of landing. Given that no adverse weather was reported, the primary focus will likely be on pilot decision-making and any potential mechanical irregularities.

Aviation experts suggest that aircraft performance data and cockpit recordings will be crucial in determining what caused the wing to strike the runway. If mechanical issues are identified, Delta may be required to inspect other CRJ-900 aircraft in its fleet to rule out systemic problems.

Is Delta’s Safety Record Under Question?

Delta Air Lines has long been recognized for its strong safety record, with extensive pilot training programs and stringent aircraft maintenance standards. However, when incidents occur under the operation of regional carriers like Endeavor Air, they often highlight broader industry concerns about the oversight of regional affiliates that operate under major airline brands.

Unlike mainline carriers, regional airlines function under different business models and typically handle shorter routes with smaller aircraft. While Delta maintains operational control over Endeavor Air, the FAA’s investigation could lead to recommendations for greater oversight of regional operations, particularly in areas related to pilot training and aircraft maintenance.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

For travelers, this incident serves as a reminder that aviation safety relies on multiple layers of precaution, including pilot training, aircraft design, and regulatory oversight. While the situation at LaGuardia may have been concerning for passengers on board, industry experts emphasize that Delta’s quick response and the pilots’ effective execution of the go-around demonstrate the reliability of commercial aviation safety procedures.

As the FAA continues its investigation, passengers and industry professionals alike will be watching closely for updates. If the findings indicate a need for further safety measures, it could lead to enhanced pilot training protocols, changes in aircraft maintenance procedures, or additional scrutiny on regional airline operations. Delta has pledged full cooperation with the FAA and is expected to implement any recommended safety improvements based on the investigation’s conclusions.