A serious incident involving two Delta planes occurred recently on a runway at a New York airport. Passengers reported a loud crash as the aircraft collided during taxiing. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene following the impact.
Details of the Collision
According to Joey Annunziato, a CBS News producer aboard one of the flights, the experience was jarring. He expressed, “We got absolutely smashed by another Delta flight.” Passengers described the moment as shocking and said it felt chaotic immediately after the crash.
Another passenger, William Lusk, recounted how the plane “stopped, jerked, and jumped to the right.” He mentioned that the sudden silence among passengers was palpable until the pilot addressed them, stating: “Hey, we’ve been in a crash, everyone, remain calm.”
Investigation and Damage Assessment
A verbal exchange between air traffic control and the Charlotte flight revealed critical details. The pilot reported that “their right wing clipped our nose and the cockpit,” indicating significant damage to the aircraft. The report included concerns about the windscreen and various cockpit instruments.
Flight Operations and Safety Measures
During taxiing, commercial jets usually operate at speeds between 10 to 30 knots, which translates to roughly 11 to 35 miles per hour. Such speeds can result in substantial impacts during a collision, as evidenced by this incident.
Ongoing Investigation
Federal authorities have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Several factors are under review, including pilot error, mechanical failure, or failures in ground control operations. The exact circumstances leading to this collision remain unclear as the investigation unfolds.
- Date of Incident: Recent (exact date not specified)
- Location: New York Airport
- Involved Airlines: Delta Air Lines
- Speed During Taxiing: 10 to 30 knots (11 to 35 mph)
This incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in aviation and the need for thorough investigations in the face of such unexpected events.
