Wing of a Taxiing Boeing 787 Collides With a Parked Airbus A321

Four Vietnam Airlines pilots have been suspended as the carrier investigates a recent ground collision between two of its jets, one a Boeing 787 and the other an Airbus A321, at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. There were no injuries, and the planes were quickly swapped out for flights to continue.

At around 2:00 pm on June 27, a B787 bound for Ho Chi Minh City began taxiing for takeoff. As it moved, its right wing struck the vertical stabilizer of an A321, which was stationary on taxiway S3 preparing for departure to Dien Bien.

The impact, captured in an 8-second video filmed from inside the Boeing, shows the jet’s wing slicing through the Airbus’s tail (with surprising ease) and debris from both aircraft being scattered across the taxiway. Despite the dramatic footage, no injuries were reported among the 386 passengers or crew.

Preliminary reports suggest that the A321 may have been improperly positioned at the hold point, contributing to the accident. Both aircraft have been grounded for inspection, with the Boeing sustaining substantial damage to its wingtip and the Airbus showing a significant tear in its vertical stabilizer.

In response, Vietnam Airlines immediately grounded the four pilots and launched an internal investigation. It is also coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) and has brought in an independent team to review the circumstances surrounding the event. The CAAV has classified the incident as Level B, the second-highest rating on Vietnam’s five-level scale.

Replacement aircraft were deployed to complete the affected flights, and airport operations resumed without major delay. Vietnam Airlines has not publicly commented on the matter beyond confirming the suspensions and investigation.

FMI: www.vietnamairlines.com