Delta Plane's Tail Sliced in Runway Collision at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
written by a member of the WCB
In a startling incident at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Wednesday morning, a Japan Airlines plane struck the tail of a parked Delta Air Lines aircraft, causing significant damage but fortunately resulting in no reported injuries.
The collision occurred shortly after 10 AM local time, sending shockwaves through passengers and airport staff alike. According to eyewitness accounts, the Japan Airlines aircraft "casually sliced into" the tail of the stationary Delta plane, which was preparing for a flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
A passenger aboard the Delta flight, identified only as Jackie, described the harrowing experience on social media: "We were sitting on the tarmac at SeaTac and another plane ran into us, just casually sliced into our tail. Very scary. The plane shook. Loud. It was scary. Getting inspected now."
Delta Air Lines confirmed that Flight 295, carrying 142 passengers, was in the deicing queue when the incident occurred. The airline stated, "While in sequence for deicing, the tail of a Delta 737 aircraft reportedly made contact with a wing tip of another airline's aircraft. There are no reports of injuries for crew or customers on the flight, and we apologize for the experience and delay in travels."
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport officials quickly responded to the situation, working with both airlines to safely deplane passengers and escort them to the terminal. The airport assured that the impact on overall operations was minimal, as the collision happened on a taxi lane rather than an active runway.
This incident comes amid a series of aviation-related accidents in the United States over the past week, heightening concerns about air travel safety. Just last week, a tragic midair collision between an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter near Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport resulted in 67 fatalities, marking the deadliest air disaster in the country since 2001.
As investigations into both incidents continue, aviation authorities are likely to scrutinize airport ground operations and safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to launch a thorough investigation into the Seattle-Tacoma incident, examining factors such as ground traffic control procedures, deicing operations, and pilot communications.
Passengers scheduled to fly from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are advised to check with their airlines for any potential delays or changes to their travel plans, although the airport has stated that overall operations remain largely unaffected.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and potential risks involved in airport ground operations, even as air travel continues to be one of the safest forms of transportation. As the investigation unfolds, both airlines and airport authorities will likely review and reinforce safety measures to ensure the continued well-being of passengers and crew members alike.