Details of the Incident
On February 5, 2025, a significant ground collision occurred at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport involving a Japan Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737. The incident happened at approximately 10:17 AM local time, causing temporary suspension of operations at the airport. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the passengers or crew on either aircraft.
The collision took place when the right wing of the Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9, registered as JA868J, struck the tail of the Delta Boeing 737-800, registered as N3737C. At the time of the incident, the Japan Airlines flight JA68 had just completed its journey from Tokyo-Narita International Airport, carrying 172 passengers and 13 crew members. Simultaneously, the Delta aircraft was preparing for departure to Puerto Vallarta International Airport in Mexico with 142 passengers, awaiting de-icing operations.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Authorities at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, along with personnel from both airlines, responded promptly to the incident. Passengers were safely deplaned and transferred to the terminal. Delta Air Lines arranged an alternative flight for their passengers to reach their intended destination later the same day. Both airlines have issued apologies and are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation led by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transport Safety Bureau (NTSB).
The area where the collision occurred is not typically under direct air traffic control, which has brought up questions regarding ground movement protocols at the airport. Airport police and firefighters were also on the scene to ensure that all safety protocols were adhered to and to assist in securing the damaged aircraft.
Investigation and Implications
The FAA has confirmed that the Japan Airlines aircraft had been in the air for over eight hours before landing at Seattle. The investigation will focus on the circumstances that led to the collision and will assess the protocols in place for aircraft movement on the ground. This incident highlights the critical nature of ground safety and the potential consequences of lapses in protocol.
Both aircraft involved have sustained significant damage and are currently grounded in Seattle pending a thorough damage assessment and necessary repairs. This event underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and the need for continuous improvement in airport operations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.