On May 12th, 2024, a close call at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) sent shivers down the spines of aviation enthusiasts. A Delta Air Lines flight (DL2577) taxiing for departure clipped the wingtip of a stationary Spirit Airlines jet (flight 655) that was boarding passengers. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant delays and raised questions about ground operations at the airport.
By Aditya M
What Happened?
Reports indicate that the Delta Boeing 737, with 180 passengers on board, was taxiing for a flight to Atlanta when its wingtip made contact with the parked Spirit Airbus A321neo. The Spirit flight, scheduled for Los Angeles, was cancelled due to the incident. Both aircraft sustained minor damage and were taken out of service for inspection.
The Aftermath
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the cause of the collision. While the exact details remain unclear, taxiway miscommunication or visibility issues could be potential factors.
The incident caused a domino effect. Delta passengers faced a lengthy delay of over four hours while the airline scrambled to secure a replacement aircraft. Spirit passengers were left stranded and likely rebooked on later flights.
Safety First
While this incident thankfully resulted in no injuries, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols on the ground. Thankfully, Cleveland Hopkins has a strong safety record, and both airlines prioritized passenger well-being by grounding the affected aircraft.
Increased Ground Collisions?
Some reports suggest that ground incidents involving aircraft have been on the rise in 2024. This emphasizes the need for continued focus on safety measures and pilot training specifically for ground operations.
Keeping an Eye on Developments
As the investigation unfolds, we'll likely learn more about the cause of this close call. In the meantime, passengers flying through Cleveland Hopkins can be assured that safety remains a top priority for the airport and airlines operating there.
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