ATLANTA- On August 31, 2024, the Delta Air Lines (DL) Airbus A330 aircraft collided with Virgin Atlantic (VS) Airbus A350 aircraft at the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in its aviation safety information analysis and sharing reported this incident on September 4, 2024.
Delta A330 Collides with Virgin A350
According to the FAA preliminary report, Delta Air Lines flight DAL105 operated with Airbus A330-300 left wingtip struck the stabilizer of Virgin Atlantic flight VS104/VIR104L operated using an A350-1000 aircraft during taxing.
We tried to establish a flight connection using Flight Radar 24 and discovered that the incident occurred when a Delta plane was taxing and turning from Taxiway L onto Taxiway LC. The collision was so subtle that damage was unknown in Atlanta and both flights took off from Atlanta.
Despite colliding with a Virgin Atlantic plane, Delta flight DL105 from Atlanta to Sao Paulo (SAO) took off and landed safely at SAO with a damaged winglet.
The aircraft involved in the incident is Airbus A330-300, registered as N808NW. Further, it is a 20.5-year-old aircraft.
The Aviation A2Z Team contacted Delta Air Lines and they issued the following statement:
“Delta is fully cooperating with investigators in a review of Delta flight 105 on August 31 from Atlanta to Sao Paulo, where damage to a winglet was identified after landing. The flight departed, operated, and landed safely.”
There were 284 passengers, 10 flight attendants and three pilots. Delta said that they cannot comment further to ensure the full integrity of the authorities’ review.
Virgin Atlantic flight VS104 also took off from Atlanta and landed safely at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft involved in the incident is Airbus A350-1000 and registered as G-VPRD. Further, it is a 5.2-year-old aircraft
The extent of damage to both the aircraft is not known yet. But Delta A330 returned to service immediately and operated its return flight. However, Virgin A350 is still grounded in London.
You will be surprised to know that both airlines are codeshare partners and operate many transatlantic flights with codeshare flight numbers.
Similar Incidents
On April 6, 2024, A collision between a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 and a British Airways (BA) Airbus A350 occurred at London Heathrow Airport triggering an emergency response. The incident took place at Terminal 3 when an empty Virgin 787, under tow, made contact with the wing of a British Airways A350.
Eyewitnesses reported that the British Airways plane was carrying passengers and preparing for departure to Accra, though British Airways has not officially confirmed this information. The collision prompted the dispatch of at least five fire engines to the scene.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch has launched an investigation into the incident. Both aircraft were moving at low speeds at the time of contact, and no injuries have been reported.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that during the towing process of their empty aircraft from the gate, its wingtip made contact with another aircraft.
The spokesperson emphasized that passenger and crew safety remains their top priority, and no passengers were aboard the Virgin Atlantic aircraft during the incident.
While the Virgin Atlantic plane returned to service on June 21, the British Airways A350 remains grounded due to severe damage to its right-hand horizontal stabilizer.
What are your thoughts on ground collision incidents? How to reduce such occurrences? Let us know in the comments.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates. Further, follow us on Google News.
The post Delta A330 Collides with Virgin A350 in Atlanta, But Still Flown to their Destinations appeared first on Aviation A2Z.