SEATAC, Wash. — No injuries were reported after two planes collided while on the ground at SEA Airport Wednesday morning.
Around 10:17 a.m., a taxiing Japan Airlines plane struck the tail of a parked Delta Airlines plane, an airport spokesperson told KING 5.
The Japan Airlines flight had just landed, and passengers said their plane made a loop as it waited for an open gate. The airport said the Delta flight was waiting in line for deicing.
“I was looking at the right wing and I was like, I think we’re going to hit that, and we ended up hitting it,” said David Wolman, a Snohomish resident who was on the Japan Airlines plane.
Other passengers said they did not see the moments leading up to the collision.
“The plane just came to an abrupt stop and then people were looking out the window, and realized that we had contacted the Delta plane,” said Brett Powers, who was also on the Japan Airlines flight.
Passengers experienced what they felt as a “jolt.”
“It felt like we were in a car accident, like a fender bender,” said Lida Turner, who was also on the plane.
Passengers described what they saw as the plane wing being “lodged into” and “embedded into” the tail of the Delta plane.
“I think everyone was just in disbelief of what happened with all the recent air issues,” said Turner.
Passengers said although no one was hurt, that this was concerning.
“When you get two planes colliding in an airport, that’s not a thing to take lightly,” said Powers.
Japan Airlines sent KING 5 the following statement:
“While taxiing upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (from Narita International Airport), the right wing of the flight JL68 aircraft came into contact with the tail of another aircraft. There were no injuries reported to the customers or the crew onboard, and we sincerely apologize to all involved for any inconvenience. The detailed cause and circumstances are currently under investigation.
Delta Airlines sent the following statement:
“While in sequence for deicing, the tail of a Delta 737 aircraft reportedly made contact with a wing tip of another airline’s aircraft. There are no reports of injuries for crew or customers on the flight, and we apologize for the experience and delay in travels.”
Planes have been sprayed with deicing fluid to remove snow and ice Wednesday as winter weather continues to impact much of western Washington.
The Delta flight was bound for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and the airline said customers were accommodated onto a new flight.