A Delta Connection CRJ-900 operated by Endeavor Air is back in service after a year of repairs. The aircraft was severely damaged in September 2024 after colliding with a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
How the Collision Happened
The accident occurred when the A350, preparing to depart for Tokyo as Delta Flight 295, struck the parked CRJ-900 with its left wingtip while taxiing. The smaller jet, operating as Delta Connection Flight 5526 to Lafayette, Louisiana, was holding short of the runway.
Extent of the Damage
The impact ripped off the CRJ’s vertical stabilizer, which crashed onto the tarmac. The A350 sustained damage to its wingtip. Among the 295 people on both flights, there were no serious injuries, though a flight attendant suffered minor ones.
Investigation Findings
The National Transportation Safety Board found that the CRJ was parked about 56 feet short of its usual holding point. The A350’s crew failed to notice the smaller jet while taxiing. The report highlighted visibility and procedural awareness as key factors in the accident.
Repairs and Return to Flight
Instead of scrapping the aircraft, Delta and Endeavor Air chose to repair it. The CRJ-900 received a new tail and underwent extensive structural testing before a successful test flight in September 2025. It returned to regular service soon after, flying from Minneapolis to Fargo.
What This Means for the Industry
The decision to repair rather than retire the jet reflects a growing trend in aviation. Airlines are investing in advanced maintenance and overhaul techniques to extend aircraft lifespans and manage high replacement costs. Yet, incidents like this remain a chilling reminder of airport safety risks.
