On September 10, Delta Air Lines reported that one of its planes collided with a regional jet while taxiing at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The incident occurred around 10:10 a.m. ET at the intersection of two taxiways. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the collision.
Details of the Collision
The collision involved a Delta Airbus A350, which was preparing for departure to Tokyo-Haneda, and an Endeavor Air CRJ-900, set to depart for LaFayette, Louisiana. The wing of the A350 struck the tail of the CRJ-900. Both aircraft sustained damage— the regional jet’s tail and the A350’s wing. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the 221 passengers on the A350 and the 56 passengers on the CRJ-900.
Safety Concerns and Technological Measures
Last year’s rise in near-miss and runway incursion incidents has heightened concerns about U.S. aviation safety. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has advocated for improved technology to prevent such collisions. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker highlighted that new technologies are being implemented to enhance situational awareness for air traffic controllers, with recent data showing a reduction in close calls by over 50% in the first half of the year.
Conclusion
While progress is being made, the FAA stresses the need for continued improvement to ensure aviation safety. The investigation will provide further insights into the causes of the collision and possible preventive measures.
