Delta A350 Clips Air Canada 777; Wingtip Snaps Off
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On October 6 (local time), the wingtip of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A350 collided with the horizontal stabilizer of an Air Canada Boeing 777 while the Delta aircraft was taxiing at Los Angeles International Airport.
A Delta spokesperson stated that Flight DL7, carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members, was scheduled to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo. The aircraft's left wingtip struck an Air Canada plane while taxiing; no injuries were reported. "The safety of our passengers and employees is our top priority, and we sincerely apologize for the unpleasant experience and the delay to their travel plans."
Air Canada stated that its Flight AC785 had just arrived in Los Angeles from Toronto and was being towed to the gate.
Footage from the scene shows the left wingtip of the Delta A350 making contact with the horizontal stabilizer of the Air Canada 777; the A350's wingtip snapped off and became lodged in the Air Canada aircraft's tail assembly, tearing a gash in the latter.
Both aircraft involved have been grounded for inspection and maintenance; no injuries were reported.
It is understood that the Air Canada crew felt a "vibration" and contacted ground control to verify the aircraft's exterior condition, after which the Delta crew reported a potential issue with their aircraft's wingtip.
Los Angeles International Airport stated that the incident occurred on a taxiway rather than a runway; overall airport operations remained unaffected, and flight takeoffs and landings proceeded normally.
The FAA confirmed it has been notified and has launched an investigation; the NTSB has also been informed and will participate. The investigation will focus on areas such as ground taxiing and towing procedures, air traffic control instructions and flight crew actions, visibility conditions, and ground guidance markings.
