A ground collision between a UPS Boeing 767 cargo plane and a Copa Airlines Boeing 737 occurred on a taxiway at Miami International Airport, prompting a formal investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Two people sustained minor injuries in the incident, which took place as the Copa Airlines flight was taxiing toward its terminal after arriving from Panama City with 166 passengers and six crew members.
Newly surfaced air traffic control audio recordings indicate the UPS freighter was preparing for a flight to Bogota, Colombia, when the collision occurred. Recordings show that the control tower had instructed the UPS pilots to yield to the incoming Copa flight before the impact took place. Moments after the strike, the Copa Airlines pilot reported to the tower, "Somebody hit us," later noting that the aircraft was missing its left wingtip.
When questioned by air traffic controllers, the UPS crew acknowledged the error. The UPS pilot stated, "Yeah, we went too far, and then he clipped us with the wing." Following the collision, the Copa Airlines jet was towed to a gate, where all 172 individuals on board were able to deplane safely. Neither airline has reported injuries among their respective crew members.
Key facts
- The incident involved a UPS Boeing 767 and a Copa Airlines Boeing 737 on a Miami taxiway.
- The Copa flight was carrying 166 passengers and six crew members from Panama City.
- Two individuals sustained minor injuries during the ground collision.
- The Copa Airlines jet was confirmed to be missing its left wingtip following the strike.
- Both UPS and Copa Airlines confirmed they are cooperating with the FAA's ongoing investigation.
Why it matters
The collision has drawn significant attention as it occurred shortly after a separate nationwide FAA ground stop on Friday, which caused extensive flight delays and cancellations across the United States. Aviation authorities and the public are now placing increased scrutiny on ground operations and safety protocols following this sequence of air travel disruptions.
Source: Economic Times
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