Introduction
On 16 March 2025, an Endeavor Air Canadair CRJ-900, registration N185GJ, operating flight DL-4814 on behalf of Delta Air Lines from Jacksonville, Florida (JAX) to New York LaGuardia (LGA), suffered a wingtip strike during landing on Runway 22 at approximately 22:10 local time (02:10Z March 17th). The aircraft subsequently executed a go-around before successfully landing on Runway 22 approximately 20 minutes later.
The FAA confirmed the incident, reporting:
“AIRCRAFT LEFT WING STRUCK RUNWAY WHILE LANDING AND EXECUTED A GO-AROUND, NEW YORK, NY.” The extent of damage remains unknown, and the aircraft remains grounded at LaGuardia more than 16 hours after landing.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: Canadair CRJ-900
• Operator: Endeavor Air (on behalf of Delta Air Lines)
• Flight Number: DL-4814
• Route: Jacksonville (JAX) → New York LaGuardia (LGA)
• Date: 16 March 2025
• Occupants: Unknown (CRJ-900 typically seats 76-90 passengers)
• Incident: Left wingtip strike on landing, followed by go-around
• Final Outcome: Successful second landing on Runway 22
• Aircraft Status: Grounded at LaGuardia as of 16+ hours post-landing
Sequence of Events
1. Approach to LaGuardia – Adverse Weather Conditions
• Winds were gusting up to 36 knots (41 mph) from 170°-190°, with light rain and low visibility reported at the time of approach.
• The aircraft was cleared for an approach to Runway 22, which is a 7,001-foot (2,134m) runway at LaGuardia.
• The unstable wind conditions and low overcast clouds likely contributed to aircraft control challenges.
2. Initial Landing Attempt & Wingtip Strike
• The aircraft descended towards Runway 22 but experienced difficulties maintaining stability in gusty crosswinds.
• The left wingtip contacted the runway surface, prompting the crew to immediately execute a go-around.
3. Go-Around & Second Approach
• Following the go-around, the aircraft climbed back into the pattern and positioned for a second attempt at landing on Runway 22.
• The aircraft touched down safely without further incident approximately 20 minutes later.
4. Post-Landing Inspection & Aircraft Grounding
• FAA officials and airline maintenance teams began an inspection to assess potential damage to the wing, flight control surfaces, and landing gear.
• The aircraft remains on the ground at LaGuardia as of more than 16 hours post-incident, suggesting further damage assessments are ongoing.
Weather & Contributing Factors
1. Crosswinds & Gusty Conditions
• The METAR reports from LaGuardia at the time confirm:
• Winds from 190° at 14 knots, gusting to 30-36 knots.
• Low cloud cover (OVC008 – overcast at 800 feet), reducing pilot visibility.
• Light rain and mist, further complicating approach stability.
• The wind direction (190°) and Runway 22 heading (220°) suggest a left crosswind component, which may have contributed to lateral instability during landing.
2. CRJ-900 Handling Characteristics in Crosswinds
• The CRJ-900 has a relatively long wingspan (24.85m / 81.5ft) for a regional jet, making it more susceptible to crosswind-induced rolling movements during touchdown.
• The combination of gusty crosswinds and low visibility may have resulted in an uncommanded left wing drop, leading to the wingtip making ground contact before the crew could correct it.
3. Go-Around Decision
• The go-around was a textbook response, as any unintentional ground contact requires immediate corrective action to ensure flight safety.
• The crew’s decision to execute a go-around was appropriate, allowing them to reassess and execute a safe second landing.
Potential Aircraft Damage & Inspection Considerations
Given the left wingtip strike, possible damage includes:
• Wingtip structural damage (crushed composite materials).
• Aileron or flap impairment if the impact transferred force into flight controls.
• Undercarriage damage (if the impact caused secondary stress on the landing gear).
• Paint, surface abrasions, or punctures requiring FAA airworthiness inspection.
The ongoing ground inspection at LaGuardia suggests a thorough review is underway, and potential repairs could delay the aircraft’s return to service.
Investigation & FAA Oversight
• The FAA is investigating the incident, as required for any event involving aircraft ground contact during landing.
• If significant damage is found, the incident may be elevated to a reportable event under FAA/NTSB regulations.
Industry Lessons & Safety Considerations
1. Wind Shear & Crosswind Management
• High gusting winds increase the likelihood of lateral drift, requiring precise control inputs during approach and flare.
• Use of crosswind landing techniques, including crab or wing-low methods, is critical to preventing wing or engine nacelle ground contact.
2. Flight Crew Training for Crosswind Go-Arounds
• Training should emphasize early decision-making for go-arounds in gusty conditions.
• The CRJ-900’s larger wingspan makes it more sensitive to gusts, requiring aggressive counter-control inputs to stabilize before touchdown.
3. Airline Procedures for Post-Incident Ground Inspections
• Any aircraft ground contact (even minor) necessitates full inspections before further flight operations.
• Structural integrity assessments must confirm no underlying damage before the aircraft is released back to service.
Conclusion
The Endeavor Air CRJ-900 operating Delta Flight DL-4814 from Jacksonville to New York experienced a left wingtip strike on landing at LaGuardia due to gusty crosswinds. The crew executed a go-around and landed safely on a second approach 20 minutes later.
The FAA is investigating, and the aircraft remains grounded pending a detailed damage assessment.
While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights the risks associated with crosswind landings, particularly for long-winged regional jets like the CRJ-900. The crew’s decision to go around was correct, ensuring passenger safety.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available information as of 17 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
