Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 clips Air Canada Boeing 777 during taxi at LAX
3 min read
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 wingtip clipped an Air Canada Boeing 777 aircraft at Los Angeles International Airport while taxiing for departure on Tuesday.
Two aircraft collide during ground movements at LAX
The 6 October incident has prompted an investigation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Delta Flight 7’s left wingtip struck the horizontal stabilizer of Air Canada Flight 785 at around 10.30am local time, according to the FAA.
The Air Canada aircraft was being towed towards its gate when it stopped short of the stand.
The FAA said it is investigating the event but has not provided any further details on the circumstances leading up to the collision.
Air Canada Flight 785 had arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) after a four-and-a-half hour flight, landing at 10.20am local time.
Damage reported to A350 wingtip and Air Canada 777 tail
According to an ABC news report, part of the Delta aircraft’s wing became embedded in the Air Canada aircraft’s horizontal stabiliser.
One of the Airbus aircraft’s Sharklets – the upturned wingtip extensions that save fuel by reducing drag – had been torn off by the impact and remained lodged in the Air Canada’s aircraft’s stabiliser.
The aircraft was subsequently taken out of service for inspection and repairs, according to the airline.
Passenger and ATC accounts emerge after LAX incident
A passenger told ABC News that the Delta aircraft had just left the gate and was taxiing towards the runway when the incident occurred. The report said the Air Canada aircraft “began moving into its path”.
No injuries were reported among the passengers and crew on either the Delta or the Air Canada aircraft.
According to an ATC transcript reported by CNN, the Air Canada pilot asked a ground controller: “We just felt a shudder there. Is everything looking ok?”
The Delta pilot was also quoted as saying: “It looks like we are having an issue with the wing tip. I don’t know if you can see from your position.”
FAA launches investigation into LAX collision
The Delta aircraft was operating a service from Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda. The A350 was carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members, according to Delta. It was not clear how many people were onboard the Air Canada B777.
Flights at LAX, the United States’ fifth busiest airport, continued to operate normally.
The FAA’s investigation is ongoing and the agency has not attributed responsibility for the collision or indicated what led to the two aircraft coming into contact.
In a brief statement, the agency said: “Delta Air Lines Flight 7 was taxiing for departure when its left wingtip clipped the horizontal stabilizer of Air Canada Flight 785 at Los Angeles International Airport.
“The Air Canada flight was being towed when it stopped short of its gate. The FAA is investigating the event that occurred around 10:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Contact the airlines for more information.”
A Delta spokesperson said: “While taxiing at Los Angeles International Airport, a Delta aircraft made contact with an Air Canada aircraft.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, and we apologise to our customers for the experience and delay in their travels.”
