The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Delta A350 pilots focused on left wing when right wingtip sheared CRJ’s tail
Investigators note regional jet was parked too far from holding point at time of Atlanta collision.
Delta A350 pilots focused on left wing when right wingtip sheared CRJ’s tail
Investigators describe a taxiing Delta Air Lines Airbus A350-900 as presiding over a clearance issue on the ground at Atlanta. The pilots were concentrating on maintaining left-wingtip clearance as the aircraft moved.
The incident occurred while the A350 was taxiing toward Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, with intentions to reach runway 8R. The taxiing A350 collided with a regional jet nearby.
According to the briefing, the regional jet had been parked too far from its designated holding point at the time of the collision, contributing to the risk environment during the maneuver.
The left-hand wingtip clearance focus by the A350 crew coincided with the right wingtip impacting and shearing the vertical fin off the regional jet, resulting in the notable structural damage. No further outcomes are provided in the material.