Introduction
On 24 March 2025, a SkyWest Airlines Canadair CRJ-200, registration N961SW, operating as United Express flight UA-5046 from Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD), Virginia to Johnstown–Cambria County Airport (KJST), Pennsylvania, suffered a left wingtip strike upon landing on runway 33 at Johnstown. Although the aircraft completed its landing roll and taxied to the gate without further incident, post-flight inspection revealed scraping damage and a puncture to the left wingtip.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The aircraft remains grounded for inspection and damage assessment.
Flight & Aircraft Information
• Operator: SkyWest Airlines on behalf of United Express
• Aircraft Type: Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet CRJ-200
• Registration: N961SW
• Engines: 2 × General Electric CF34-3B1
• Flight Number: UA-5046
• Origin: Washington Dulles (KIAD), USA
• Destination: Johnstown (KJST), USA
• Date: 24 March 2025
• Occupants: Not specified; no injuries reported
• Weather at Time of Landing: Not specified; assumed visual conditions unless otherwise noted
• Runway Used: 33
Sequence of Events
1. Approach Phase
• Flight UA-5046 commenced final approach into runway 33 at Johnstown following an uneventful flight from Washington Dulles.
• There were no weather advisories or abnormal air traffic control (ATC) communications reported during the approach phase.
2. Landing and Wing Contact
• Upon touchdown, the aircraft’s left wingtip made contact with the runway surface.
• Despite the strike, the aircraft remained stable, maintained directional control, and completed its landing roll without veering off the runway or experiencing a rejected landing.
3. Taxi and Shutdown
• The aircraft taxied to the apron under its own power.
• No emergency evacuation was required, and passengers disembarked normally.
• Post-flight inspection identified visible scraping and a puncture (referred to as a “hole”) in the left wingtip.
4. FAA Report
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident:
• “SKY WEST 5046, CRJ2, IAD – JST, EXPERIENCED A LEFT WING STRIKE WHILE LANDING RUNWAY 33 JOHNSTOWN. ACFT TAXIED TO GATE. LEFT WING HAS SCRAPES AND A HOLE. NO INJURIES REPORTED. DAMAGE: UNKN.”
Damage Assessment
• Preliminary Observations:
• Visual evidence of scraping along the underside and edge of the left wingtip.
• Presence of a puncture or hole indicating penetration or impact deformation, likely due to runway contact.
• Potential Contributing Factors:
• Crosswind conditions during landing causing lateral drift.
• Excessive bank angle during touchdown, potentially from overcorrection or an unstabilised approach.
• Pilot-induced roll on final flare.
• Asymmetric descent rate on touchdown.
• Pending Investigation:
• A full structural integrity assessment of the left wing, aileron, and associated control surfaces.
• Review of Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) to analyse pitch, roll, and bank angle at touchdown.
• ATC data and weather recordings at KJST at the time of the incident.
Operational Considerations
1. Stabilised Approach Criteria
• FAA AC 120-108 and airline SOPs define a stabilised approach as:
• Correct glide path and descent rate
• Aircraft fully configured for landing
• Appropriate bank angle (typically not exceeding 5° during final flare)
2. Wing Strike Risk Factors
• The CRJ-200 has a relatively low wingtip clearance, making it more susceptible to strikes if:
• Bank angle exceeds design limits during flare
• Runway gradient or uneven terrain is present
• Sudden wind gusts or shear occur
3. Post-Incident Protocol
• Aircraft remains grounded for inspection and possible repairs.
• Maintenance teams will evaluate internal wing structure and composite materials for:
• Skin delamination
• Spar or rib damage
• Potential fuel tank compromise if strike occurred near the outboard area
Aftermath and Aircraft Status
• As of 25 March 2025, the aircraft remains on the ground at Johnstown (KJST) approximately 19 hours post-landing.
• The extent of damage is under evaluation.
• No delays or injuries were reported to passengers.
• A potential ferry flight or AOG repair may be initiated depending on damage classification.
Conclusion
SkyWest Airlines flight UA-5046, operating as a United Express CRJ-200, experienced a left wingtip strike while landing at Johnstown on 24 March 2025. Despite the contact, the aircraft taxied safely to the gate without further incident. Damage to the wing includes scrapes and a puncture, the severity of which remains under assessment.
The cause of the strike will be determined following further investigation into approach dynamics, flight data, and environmental factors.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 26 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.
