Delta CRJ-900LR Returns to Service After Major Tail Repair
A Delta Air Lines Canadair CRJ-900LR, operated by Endeavor Air, was involved in a collision at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on September 10, 2024. The incident, which also involved a Delta Airbus A350-900 jet, caused significant damage to the CRJ's tail, leading to a 'major structural failure'. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but both flights were canceled.
Preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that the CRJ was holding too close to the runway, while the Airbus A350's captain failed to notice it. The incident resulted in the CRJ's tail being sheared off, initially leading to discussions about scrapping the aircraft. However, it was later decided to repair it instead.
After a year of reconstruction, the CRJ returned to service with a new vertical stabilizer. The repair work was conducted by Endeavor Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. The FAA recertified the aircraft following the successful repairs. The repaired aircraft first flew on September 20, 2025, and was then ferried to Macon-Middle Georgia Regional Airport for further work before re-entering service.
The repaired CRJ-900LR, registered as N302PQ, is now back in service, demonstrating Delta Air Lines' commitment to safety and sustainability. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of air traffic control and pilot vigilance in maintaining aviation safety.
