Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Delta Air Lines is under mounting pressure after a dramatic near-disaster at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Late Sunday night, a Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by its regional subsidiary, Endeavor Air, scraped its wing against the runway during landing, igniting a shower of sparks before the crew abruptly aborted the approach. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now launched a formal investigation, raising fresh concerns about safety protocols within Delta’s regional network.
Wing Strike Shocks Passengers as Sparks Light Up the Night Sky
Passengers aboard Endeavor Air Flight 4814 described a terrifying moment as the aircraft, just moments from touchdown, suddenly lurched, sending bright flashes of sparks from the wing before surging back into the sky. The abrupt go-around left travelers rattled, with some fearing the aircraft had suffered a major failure.
Aviation experts explain that while go-arounds are a routine safety maneuver, a wing strike during landing is rare and serious. It can indicate an unstable approach, strong crosswinds, or potential miscalculations by the flight crew. After circling the airport, the pilots managed to land safely on the second attempt.
In a statement, Delta Air Lines insisted that safety was never compromised and reassured passengers that its flight crews are trained for such scenarios. However, the FAA has now opened an in-depth review, analyzing flight data, pilot communications, and possible environmental factors that may have contributed to the incident.
Endeavor Air Under the Microscope After Multiple Safety Alarms
The LaGuardia scare is the second major safety incident involving Endeavor Air in recent weeks. In February, a Delta Connection flight operated by Endeavor suffered a catastrophic landing failure at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 80 passengers, crashed upon touchdown when its rear landing gear collapsed, sending it skidding across the icy tarmac. The right wing broke off in a fiery explosion, but all passengers miraculously survived, though 21 suffered injuries.
That incident triggered a wave of scrutiny over Endeavor Air’s safety record, and now, the wing strike at LaGuardia has intensified concerns. With two significant events in a short span, aviation analysts are questioning whether deeper operational issues exist within Delta’s regional carrier.
What This Means for Delta Air Lines and Passenger Confidence
While Delta remains one of the world’s most established airlines, its reliance on regional subsidiaries for short-haul routes has drawn criticism. Some experts argue that these smaller carriers, operating under major airline branding, sometimes lack the same level of oversight and training as mainline operations.
The FAA’s ongoing probe into the LaGuardia incident could lead to a range of outcomes, from procedural adjustments to increased regulatory oversight of Endeavor Air’s operations. If patterns of pilot error or inadequate approach management are identified, the consequences could be far-reaching for Delta’s regional network.
For now, travelers and industry watchdogs are closely watching how Delta and the FAA handle the situation. Will the airline take decisive action to strengthen safety measures, or will regulatory intervention be necessary? With two major scares in rapid succession, the answers may determine whether Endeavor Air remains a trusted regional carrier—or a growing liability for Delta Air Lines.
