In an aviation safety report following an incident at Atlanta’s airport on September 10, it was revealed that the pilot of a larger plane was focused elsewhere when their right wing collided with the tail of a smaller plane. The mishap occurred as the Delta Air Lines Airbus 350 was taxiing at around 14 mph (23 kph). The pilot, engrossed in monitoring traffic on the left wing, was reportedly looking straight ahead and to the left, potentially causing the collision with the smaller Bombardier CRJ-900 operated by Delta regional subsidiary Endeavor Air.
The smaller plane, awaiting clearance for takeoff, had its tail protruding onto a perpendicular taxiway, where it was struck by the larger aircraft’s wing. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary findings indicate that the regional jet had stopped 56 feet (17 meters) before the designated hold line. Given that the A350’s right wing extends 106 feet (32.3 meters) from the jet’s center, this narrow margin may have led to the impact.
Despite one minor injury reported by a regional jet crew member, all 59 passengers and crew were largely unscathed. The larger plane, bound for Tokyo, sustained damage to its wing, while the smaller plane’s tail assembly was severely impacted, with a horizontal stabilizer dislodged. Witnesses described the collision as “jarring,” accompanied by unsettling noises and significant aircraft movements.
Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines confirmed the damage to its aircraft and stated that the incident is under investigation by the NTSB. The report highlighted the regional jet’s abrupt swaying post-impact, tilting at a 9-degree angle. As investigations continue, aviation authorities are scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding the mishap to prevent similar incidents in the future.