Video footage from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport showed two Delta Air Lines planes clipping each other on the tarmac. Delta Air Lines Flight 295, an Airbus A350, was taxiing for departure when its wingtip struck the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526. The planes were headed to Tokyo and Lafayette, Louisiana, respectively. The Federal Aviation Administration stated that the incident occurred at the intersection of two taxiways around 10:10 a.m. local time on September 10. The footage, taken by someone in a moving vehicle on the tarmac, showed the wingtip severed from the aircraft.
WFTS Meteorologist Jason Adams described the incident as terrifying, with metal scraping sounds followed by loud bangs as another plane appeared to have clipped the back of their plane. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident, and operations continued as normal. Delta Air Lines’ TechOps moved the aircraft to maintenance hangars for evaluation. The airline reported that there were 221 customers on DL295 and 56 customers on DL5526, and no additional operational adjustments were expected at the time. The Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport ranked as the world’s busiest airport for passenger volume in 2023, serving more than 104.6 million travelers, and has consistently held the top spot in recent years.
Following the incident, the National Transportation Safety Board announced that they would be investigating what led to the planes clipping each other on the tarmac. The FAA also stated that they would be conducting their own investigation into the incident. Video footage circulating online showed the aftermath of the collision, with the wingtip of the Airbus A350 visibly damaged. Thankfully, the situation did not escalate into something more severe, and all passengers and crew members were unharmed. These types of incidents can be alarming for passengers and crews, but it is important to note that safety procedures and protocols are in place to minimize risks and ensure a safe flying experience for everyone.
Delta Air Lines stated that they took immediate action following the incident, moving the planes involved to maintenance hangars for evaluation. The airline also assured that operations would continue as normal and that no additional operational adjustments were expected. While incidents like this are rare, it is crucial for airlines to conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of passengers and crew members are always top priorities for airlines, and they strive to maintain high safety standards to ensure safe and secure flights for everyone.
As one of the busiest airports in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport plays a crucial role in connecting travelers to various destinations. The airport’s high passenger volume highlights the importance of efficient operations and safety protocols to ensure smooth and secure travel experiences for millions of passengers annually. The incident involving the two Delta Air Lines planes serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential risks involved in air travel. By conducting thorough investigations and implementing necessary measures, airlines can learn from such incidents and enhance safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
