Close Call at LaGuardia: Delta Flight Experiences Wing Strike During Go-Around
A Delta Air Lines regional jet, operated by Endeavor Air, experienced a concerning incident at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Sunday night. While performing a routine go-around maneuver as it prepared to land, the aircraft’s left wing made contact with the runway surface. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the event, confirming the specifics of what transpired.
Endeavor Air Flight 4814, flying from Jacksonville, Florida, to New York, encountered difficulties during its initial landing attempt. The pilot, encountering what was described as an unstable approach, initiated a go-around. This maneuver, designed to abort a potentially unsafe landing and circle around for another attempt, unfortunately resulted in the wing strike. The incident occurred at approximately 10:10 p.m. local time on Sunday, March 16, as stated by the FAA.
Delta Air Lines issued a statement acknowledging the incident and assuring the public that the aircraft has been taken out of service for thorough inspection and evaluation by its maintenance personnel. "The Endeavor Air flight crew followed established procedures to safely enact a go-around at New York-LaGuardia," the statement read. "The aircraft landed safely and proceeded to its arrival gate. We apologize to our customers for the experience."
The flight was carrying 76 passengers and a crew of four. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the wing strike, a significant relief given the potential severity of such an incident.
Go-arounds are a relatively common occurrence in commercial aviation. They represent a crucial safety measure, empowering pilots to prioritize passenger safety and prevent potentially dangerous landings. When a pilot judges that the prevailing flight conditions are not conducive to a safe and stable landing, they are authorized to abort the landing and execute a go-around. This decision can be triggered by a variety of factors, including unfavorable weather conditions like strong crosswinds or poor visibility, the presence of other aircraft on the runway, or mechanical issues with the aircraft itself.
The go-around procedure typically involves a rapid increase in engine power and a climb to regain altitude. This abrupt change in trajectory and acceleration can be unsettling for passengers, often accompanied by noticeable changes in engine noise and aircraft attitude. However, pilots undergo extensive training to perform go-arounds safely and effectively. They are drilled on the specific procedures and techniques required to manage the aircraft during this dynamic maneuver, ensuring a smooth and controlled transition to a new approach.
Beyond pilot-initiated go-arounds, air traffic controllers also play a critical role in ensuring safe landings. Controllers are constantly monitoring the airspace around airports, observing weather conditions, and tracking the positions of all aircraft. If a controller identifies a potential hazard, such as an aircraft straying from its designated approach path or an obstruction on the runway, they have the authority to order a go-around to prevent a collision or other incident.
The fact that the Endeavor Air flight experienced a wing strike during a go-around raises important questions about the factors that contributed to the incident. The FAA investigation will likely focus on a number of areas, including:
-
Weather conditions: What were the prevailing weather conditions at LaGuardia Airport at the time of the incident? Were there strong winds, turbulence, or other factors that could have made the approach more challenging?
-
Air traffic control: Did air traffic controllers provide adequate guidance and support to the flight crew during the approach? Were there any communication breakdowns or other issues that may have contributed to the unstable approach?
-
Pilot performance: Did the pilot follow established procedures for executing a go-around? Was the pilot adequately trained and experienced to handle the challenging conditions?
-
Aircraft condition: Was the aircraft in proper working order? Were there any mechanical issues that may have affected the aircraft’s performance during the approach or go-around?
-
Airport conditions: Were the runway and surrounding areas properly maintained? Were there any obstructions or other hazards that could have contributed to the wing strike?
The FAA investigation is expected to involve a thorough review of flight data recorders (black boxes), cockpit voice recorders, air traffic control recordings, and witness statements. The agency will also likely conduct interviews with the flight crew, air traffic controllers, and other personnel involved in the incident.
The findings of the FAA investigation will be crucial in determining the root cause of the wing strike and identifying any necessary corrective actions. These actions could include changes to pilot training procedures, air traffic control protocols, aircraft maintenance practices, or airport infrastructure. The ultimate goal of the investigation is to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and ensure the continued safety of air travel.
While go-arounds can be unsettling for passengers, they are an essential safety feature of modern aviation. The incident at LaGuardia Airport serves as a reminder of the complexities of air travel and the importance of rigorous safety standards and procedures. The FAA’s investigation will provide valuable insights into the factors that contributed to the wing strike and help to ensure that the skies remain safe for all travelers.
Zach Wichter, a travel reporter and writer of the "Cruising Altitude" column for USA TODAY, is based in New York and can be reached at [email protected]. He will likely continue to follow this story as the FAA investigation progresses.
