In a surprising incident at Boston’s Logan International Airport, two JetBlue airplanes made contact on the tarmac early Thursday morning, causing a stir among passengers and crew alike. The event occurred around 6:40 a.m. when the left winglet of Flight 777 grazed the right horizontal stabilizer of Flight 551 as both planes were on the deicing pad, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Thankfully, there were no reported injuries from the collision. Dave Souter, a passenger on his way to a Super Bowl event in Las Vegas, recounted the incident to Boston 25 News, noting it happened shortly after the aircraft moved away from the gate. The other aircraft involved was en route to Orlando, Florida.
Passenger Casey Cunningham took to social media to express gratitude towards the JetBlue crew for their professionalism and communication during the unforeseen delay. Cunningham highlighted the crew’s efforts in keeping passengers informed and answering questions throughout the incident.
Both aircraft were promptly taken out of service for necessary repairs. A JetBlue spokesperson emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety, stating that an investigation would be conducted to understand the cause of the collision and to prevent future occurrences. Meanwhile, the FAA has also launched an investigation into the matter.
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols on the ground at airports, especially during adverse weather conditions that necessitate deicing operations. It serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in aviation logistics and the critical role of effective communication and operational standards in ensuring passenger safety.