Japan Airlines Plane Collides with Delta Aircraft on Ground in Seattle
A startling incident occurred at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Wednesday morning when a Japan Airlines plane clipped a parked Delta Air Lines jet while taxiing. Fortunately, no one was injured in the collision, but passengers described the experience as frightening.
Details of the Incident
The incident happened around 10:15 a.m. local time when Japan Airlines Flight 68, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arriving from Tokyo, struck the tail of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737. The Delta plane was waiting in line for de-icing before departing for Puerto Vallunarta, Mexico. Photos from the scene showed the Japan Airlines wing lodged into the tail of the Delta aircraft.
Passenger Reactions
Passengers aboard the Delta flight felt a sudden jolt and heard a loud crunching noise when the collision occurred. One traveler described the plane as shaking violently, making it obvious that something was wrong. “It was like a big jolt, and then we heard the crunching sound,” said the passenger. “We were all pretty scared, but thankfully, no one was hurt.”
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the collision happened outside air traffic control jurisdiction and has launched an investigation to determine how the two planes came into contact. “We are investigating the incident and will determine the cause of the collision,” said an FAA spokesperson.
Airline Reactions
Both Japan Airlines and Delta Air Lines apologized for the disruption caused by the collision. “We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our passengers and are cooperating fully with the investigation,” said a Japan Airlines spokesperson. Delta Air Lines also issued a statement, saying, “We apologize for the disruption and are working to get our passengers to their destination as quickly as possible.”
Impact on Flights
The collision caused a delay in the departure of the Delta flight, which was eventually canceled. Delta arranged for another aircraft to transport the affected passengers to their destination. Japan Airlines also delayed its departure from Seattle to accommodate the investigation.
Conclusion
The collision between the Japan Airlines and Delta Air Lines planes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was a startling incident that could have had serious consequences. Fortunately, no one was injured, and both airlines are cooperating with the investigation to determine the cause of the collision. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the need for vigilance in airport operations.
