Delta A350 and CRJ-900 Involved in Ground Collision at Atlanta Airport

Photo: @TalbotCox on X

On September 10th, 2024, a ground collision occurred at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) involving a Delta Air Lines (DL) Airbus A350-900 and an Endeavor Air (9E) CRJ-900 regional jet. The incident occurred at 10:07 a.m. when the wing of Delta flight DL295, bound for Tokyo-Haneda Airport (HND), struck the tail of Endeavor flight DL5526, preparing for departure to Lafayette Regional Airport (LFT), Louisiana.

The impact severely damaged both aircraft. The giant A350 tore off the CRJ-900's entire tail section, including its vertical and horizontal stabilizers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 221 passengers on board DL295 or the 56 passengers on DL5526. Both planes were immediately evacuated, and all passengers were safely transported back to the terminal. Delta Air Lines confirmed that alternate flights would be arranged for all passengers affected.

Investigation Underway

Delta Air Lines is collaborating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other authorities to investigate the cause of the collision. While the incident has not led to significant operational disruptions at ATL, questions about the extent of the damage to the aircraft have circulated on social media, with some speculating that the CRJ-900 may be beyond repair.

Photo: Matt Steward

However, experts advise against jumping to conclusions. Delta TechOps, known for its extensive aircraft maintenance and repair expertise, has a strong record of restoring damaged planes. Replacing a CRJ-900 is no easy feat, and given the history of similar incidents, it’s likely that the aircraft could be repaired and returned to service.

A History of Similar Incidents

This incident brings to mind a similar event from 13 years ago when an Air France Airbus A380 clipped the tail of a Comair Bombardier CRJ-700 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Despite the severe damage, the CRJ-700 involved in that incident was eventually repaired and resumed service.

Delta Air Lines has yet to provide an official timeline for the investigation, but more updates are expected in the coming days. As the situation evolves, we will continue to monitor developments and share any new information from ATL.