A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-900 struck the tail of a Spirit Airlines plane while maneuvering at Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday. The incident, captured on video from inside the Singapore aircraft, caused a six-and-a-half-hour delay for flight SQ21, one of the world’s longest commercial routes (Newark to Singapore, approximately 19 hours and 10 minutes).
Details of the Incident
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the planes “clipped each other” while at the gate. The extent of the damage remains unclear, but the delay suggests a thorough inspection was required.
Required Inspections
A low-speed collision like this necessitates a detailed structural review of the Singapore Airlines aircraft (tail number 9V-SGA). Mechanics would have needed to verify either no damage, damage within repair limits, or full repair before issuing a maintenance release. Composite materials in the wingtip area require even more scrutiny.
Flight Resumed with No Apparent Damage
The Singapore flight ultimately departed, suggesting either minimal damage to its own structure or that the Spirit plane absorbed the full impact. The incident highlights the challenges of ground operations involving large aircraft, especially at busy airports like Newark.
The incident underscores the importance of precise maneuvering in crowded airport environments. While minor, such events can cause significant disruptions to flight schedules and require careful technical assessment before operations can resume.
