Investigation Launched After Wingtip Strikes Vertical Stabilizer

On September 10, a Delta Airbus A350 and an Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900 were involved in a collision on the ground at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The FAA reported that Delta Air Lines Flight 295 was taxiing for departure when its wingtip struck the vertical stabilizer of Endeavor Air Flight 5526, which was stopped on a nearby taxiway.

The collision occurred around 10:10 am. local time at the intersection of taxiways E and H on the north airfield. Images shared on social media depict substantial damage, especially on the CRJ900’s tail, where the vertical stabilizer seems to have been completely severed from the aircraft.

WFTS Meteorologist Jason Adams, a passenger on the Endeavor flight, stated on social media: "Well that was terrifying. Taxiing out for the flight from Atlanta to Louisiana and another plane appears to have clipped the back of our plane. Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. We’re fine. No fire or smoke."

Delta Airlines later confirmed the damage to both the tail of the Endeavor regional jet and the wing of the Delta A350. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among Delta’s 221 passengers or the 56 on board the Endeavor jet.

Delta explained in an initial statement that “at this time, no additional operational adjustments are expected.” They also included an apology to passengers who were delayed by the event.

The Delta A350 was en route to Tokyo-Haneda, while the Endeavor CRJ900 was scheduled to fly to Lafayette, Louisiana. Delta has since worked to rebook involved passengers with alternate flights scheduled for later in the afternoon.

Delta is collaborating with the NTSB and other authorities as its TechOps teams prepare to move both aircraft to maintenance hangars for inspection and repairs. The FAA has released a statement and will move forward leading the investigation.

FMI: www.delta.com, www.endeavorair.com