Credited from: ABCNEWS
Key takeaways from the incident:
On Wednesday morning, at approximately 10:40 a.m. local time, a Japan Airlines flight was involved in a ground collision with a parked Delta Air Lines aircraft at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The right wing of Flight 68 from Tokyo struck the tail of Flight 1921, which was preparing to depart for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with 142 passengers on board. Despite the severe appearance of the incident, there were no reported injuries, and Delta Airlines apologized for the disruption and delay experienced by their passengers.
The collision occurred in an area not under air traffic control, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has initiated an investigation. Officials stated that the Japan Airlines aircraft had just landed in Seattle after an extensive flight from Tokyo. Eyewitness accounts describe the experience as alarming, with one passenger reporting a 'violent shaking' and a loud crunching noise at the moment of impact. Other passengers shared their disbelief and concerns, especially in light of recent high-profile aviation incidents, including crashes in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia that left numerous casualties.
In response to the incident, Sea-Tac Airport confirmed that minimal disruption to operations ensued, although some flights were temporarily paused as a precautionary measure. Both airlines are focused on accommodating their passengers and ensuring their safety, reaffirming their commitment to operational integrity amid growing scrutiny over aviation safety.
This incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures as U.S. aviation grapples with heightened concerns following recent crashes. The FAA's investigation into the matter is part of ongoing efforts to ensure aviation safety standards are upheld across the industry. For more details, visit ABC News or USA Today.