Incident Overview
On December 3, 2025, a ground collision involving two LATAM Airlines aircraft occurred at Sao Paulo’s Congonhas Airport (CGH) in Brazil. The incident involved an Airbus A320neo, registered as PR-XBG, and an Airbus A319, registered as PT-TMS. As the A320neo was taxiing to prepare for departure to Curitiba (CWB) under flight number LA3064, its wingtip collided with the tail cone of the A319, which was parked and preparing for its flight LA3050 to Belo Horizonte Airport (CNF).
The impact occurred at low speed but resulted in visible damage to both aircraft. The A320neo’s right (starboard) wingtip was damaged, necessitating the replacement of the winglet and subsequent non-destructive testing on its right outboard wing section to assess any underlying structural issues. The A319 suffered damage to its tail cone and its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) exhaust duct. The APU was also removed for detailed inspection to check for any internal damage.
Immediate Response and Passenger Safety
LATAM Airlines responded promptly to the incident. There were no injuries reported among passengers or crew members, and all passengers were safely disembarked and rerouted on alternative flights as both flights involved were canceled. The airline’s swift implementation of its contingency plans minimized disruption to passengers’ travel plans. Both aircraft were withdrawn from service to undergo thorough inspections and repairs.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center (Cenipa) is conducting a full investigation into the incident to determine the root cause and to assess the procedures followed by the flight and ground crews. This investigation will include a review of air traffic control communications prior to the collision. LATAM Airlines is fully cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing their commitment to safety and adherence to regulatory requirements.
The incident highlights the challenges and safety considerations at highly congested and spatially constrained airports like Congonhas, which is located in a densely populated area of Sao Paulo. Despite the incident, the airport was only briefly closed and resumed operations shortly after, with no significant delays to subsequent flights.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and the need for continuous improvement in aircraft handling procedures, especially in compact airport environments. LATAM Airlines’ proactive and transparent approach in handling the situation demonstrates their dedication to passenger safety and operational integrity.