In the early hours of Thursday, an unexpected incident occurred at Boston Logan International Airport.
Two JetBlue planes, bound for different locations, accidentally collided on the tarmac. This incident took place as both aircraft were moving on neighboring de-icing pads.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and JetBlue have initiated investigations into the event, which, fortunately, resulted in no injuries. The incident occurred as both planes were preparing for their morning departures amid icy conditions, necessitating de-icing procedures.
One plane inadvertently made contact with another while both were entering lanes at the de-icing pad, an event confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that morning. This unforeseen occurrence resulted in damages to both aircraft but, remarkably, left no individuals harmed.
According to a statement shared with Fox Business:
A JetBlue aircraft entering a de-icing pad lane at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) came into contact with another JetBlue aircraft on an adjacent de-icing pad lane, causing damage to one aircraft’s winglet and the other aircraft’s tail section.
This explicit account clarifies the sequence of events leading to the collision, emphasizing the material impact on the aircraft involved.
The repercussions of the collision were immediate, with both planes deemed unfit for service due to the sustained damages. In light of this, passengers scheduled on the affected flights—one bound for Las Vegas and the other for Orlando—found themselves rebooked onto alternate planes to ensure their travel plans continued with minimal disruption.
In the aftermath of such an event, the FAA and JetBlue have launched investigations to ascertain the precise factors leading up to the collision. JetBlue, in particular, has voiced its commitment to understanding the incident's cause, emphasizing the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew.
JetBlue conveyed its stance on the matter by saying, “Safety is JetBlue’s priority, and we will work to determine how and why this incident occurred.”
Remarkably, the aircraft involved in the collision were Airbus A321 models, with one being an A321neo and the other an A321. This detail underscores the scale of the incident, involving significant airline assets and highlighting the importance of rigorous safety protocols.
The event is not isolated in the aviation industry, with a similar occurrence reported at Chicago O’Hare International Airport earlier in the year, drawing FAA attention. These incidents serve as critical reminders of the complexities and challenges inherent to airline operations, especially under adverse weather conditions.
It was around 6:40 a.m. on Thursday, February 8, when the collision transpired, marking a sobering start to the day at Boston Logan International Airport. The timing of the incident underscores the potential hazards that can emerge even during routine procedures such as de-icing, necessitating constant vigilance and adherence to protocols.
The FAA's involvement in investigating this incident highlights the seriousness with which such events are treated, aiming to enhance safety measures and prevent recurrences. “JetBlue Flight 777, an Airbus A321neo’s left winglet struck the right horizontal stabilizer of JetBlue Flight 551, an Airbus A321, around 6:40 a.m., local time on Thursday, February 8, while on the deicing pad at Boston Logan International Airport. The FAA will investigate,” a statement to Boston 25 News detailed.
The collision of two JetBlue planes at Boston Logan International Airport on Thursday morning prompted both the FAA and JetBlue to undertake thorough investigations to determine the cause. Despite the damage to both aircraft, there were no injuries, and affected passengers were rebooked on different flights.
The incident adds to the complexity of airline operations and emphasizes the ongoing need for stringent safety measures, especially under challenging conditions. Both the aviation industry and its patrons keenly await the findings of the investigations, hopeful for lessons that will further bolster the safety of air travel.
