Close Call at New Chitose Airport: Korean Air and Cathay Pacific Planes Collide, Resulting in Wing Damage

In a harrowing incident at New Chitose Airport on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, a Korean Air plane with 289 passengers and crew members clipped a stationary Cathay Pacific aircraft, causing damage to its wing. The collision occurred at approximately 5.30 pm local time on Tuesday as the Korean Air plane was preparing for take-off.

According to a Korean Air official, the mishap took place when a towing car, pushing the Korean Air plane backward ahead of departure, slipped on the snowy ground. This caused the left wing of the plane to collide with the right tail wing of the Cathay Pacific plane.

Remarkably, there were no injuries reported, and no one was on board the Cathay Pacific aircraft during the incident, as confirmed by the Kyodo News agency. Japanese broadcaster NTV added that there were no signs of fire or fuel leaks, according to information from the local fire department.

Representatives for the airport and Cathay Pacific were not immediately available for comment, as reported by the news agency Reuters.

The collision occurred amidst a cold snap in the northern region of Japan, with temperatures plummeting to -7°C (19°F) and snowfall. Images broadcast by NTV showed snowfall at the airport during the time of the incident.

This incident follows a recent aviation tragedy in Japan, where a coastguard plane was struck by a Japan Airlines (JAL) flight, resulting in five fatalities. The crash, which forced passengers to make an emergency exit due to a subsequent fire, is currently under investigation. The aviation industry faces increased scrutiny amid these incidents, with safety concerns taking center stage.

In conclusion, the recent collision between a Korean Air plane and a Cathay Pacific aircraft at New Chitose Airport has underscored the potential hazards faced in aviation, particularly in adverse weather conditions. The incident occurred during a snowy evening, with the Korean Air plane slipping on the snowy ground while being towed, leading to a collision with the stationary Cathay Pacific plane.

Remarkably, there were no reported injuries, and the Cathay Pacific plane was unoccupied at the time of the collision. The absence of fire or fuel leaks further mitigated potential risks, providing a fortunate outcome to an otherwise alarming situation.

This incident adds to the recent string of aviation-related mishaps in Japan, including the tragic collision involving a Japan Airlines (JAL) flight and a coastguard plane, resulting in fatalities and emergency evacuations due to a subsequent fire. As aviation authorities continue investigations into these incidents, concerns about safety protocols and weather-related challenges are likely to be scrutinized.

The aviation industry faces ongoing challenges to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew members, emphasizing the need for continuous improvements in protocols and procedures, especially in adverse weather conditions. As the investigation unfolds, the industry will be closely monitored to address any underlying issues and enhance overall safety standards.