Delta A350 and Endeavor CRJ900 Collide on Tarmac at Atlanta Airport, No Injuries Reported

On the morning of September 10, 2023, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a significant incident occurred when a Delta Airbus A350 and an Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900 jet collided on the tarmac. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly announced that while Delta Air Lines Flight 295 was preparing for departure, its wingtip accidentally made contact with the tail of Endeavor Air Flight 5526.

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

The Delta Airbus A350, bound for Tokyo, and the Endeavor Bombardier CRJ900, scheduled to fly to Lafayette, Louisiana, were involved in the collision at the intersection of two taxiways around 10:10 a.m. local time on September 10. The FAA confirmed the incident and stated, "The FAA will investigate the incident, which occurred at the intersection of two taxiways around 10:10 a.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 10."

Numerous images circulating on social media depict severe damage to the tail of one of the aircraft, with its vertical stabilizer appearing to be entirely severed. The FAA's swift acknowledgment of the situation hints at the potential severity of the collision and the need for a thorough investigation.

Eyewitness Accounts

In the aftermath of the incident, eyewitnesses recounted their experiences. WFTS Meteorologist Jason Adams, who was onboard the affected flight, described the moment, stating, "Well that was terrifying. Taxiing out for the flight from Atlanta to Louisiana and another plane appears to have clipped the back of our plane. Very jarring, metal scraping sounds then loud bangs. We’re fine. No fire or smoke." His account emphasizes the suddenness and impact of the collision, providing a glimpse into the confusion and concern felt by those present.

Delta's Response and Operational Impact

In response to the incident, Delta released a statement detailing the circumstances. The airline confirmed that "the wing of an Airbus A350 taxiing out as DL295 from Atlanta to Tokyo-Haneda made contact with the tail of an Endeavor Air CRJ-900, DL5526 to LaFayette, Louisiana, on an adjacent taxiway, resulting in damage to the tail of the regional jet and the wing of the A350." Delta further reported that all passengers and crew members were unharmed, with no injuries reported at the time. The airline stated that passengers were being transported back to the terminal for re-accommodation on alternate flights.