CHITOSE- Two passenger planes belonging to Korean Air (KE) and Cathay Pacific (CX) collided at an airport in Chitose, Japan, occurring weeks after a tragedy that resulted in five fatalities.
The incident involved a stationary Cathay Pacific aircraft being clipped by a taxiing Korean Air plane as it moved towards the tarmac for takeoff amid heavy snow at New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido.
Korean Air Collides with Cathay Pacific
A spokesperson for Korean Air verified that the collision happened due to a ground handler slipping in the snow, resulting in the incident, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The airport had earlier posted on Twitter about experiencing flight delays and cancellations due to the severe weather conditions in the area.
Striking images from the incident reveal significant damage to the aft section of the Korean Air flight destined for Seoul Incheon (ICN).
According to the fire department, the Cathay Pacific aircraft was stationary on the tarmac when it was struck by the other plane, which had 289 people on board and was in the process of preparing for takeoff when the collision occurred.
Official Remarks
A spokesperson for Korean Air stated, “A Korean Air aircraft came into contact with a Cathay aircraft during pushback at New Chitose (Sapporo) Airport when the third-party ground handler vehicle slipped due to heavy snow. There were no injuries, and the airline is cooperating with all relevant authorities.”
A representative from Cathay Pacific stated, “Cathay Pacific confirms an incident involving one of our aircraft while parked at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo today (16 January). Our aircraft, which was stationary at the time with no passengers or crew onboard, was impacted by a Korean Air A330 taxiing past. Consequently, flight CX583 from Sapporo to Hong Kong will not operate as scheduled. The majority of our passengers will be accommodated on another Cathay Pacific service today, while the remaining passengers will travel with us tomorrow. We extend our apologies to the affected customers.”
Japan A350 Crash
The most recent incident on a Japanese airport runway follows closely after Flight 516 collided with a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft at Haneda Airport in Tokyo upon landing a few weeks ago.
Although all 379 passengers on Japan Airlines (JL) flight JAL516 managed to exit safely before the plane was fully engulfed in flames, five individuals lost their lives in the smaller aircraft. Emergency vehicles swiftly responded to the scene to address the intense inferno.
Earlier this week, an All Nippon Airways (NH) domestic flight returned to New Chitose airport after a crack was discovered in the cockpit window shortly after takeoff.
None of the 65 passengers on ANA Flight 1182 sustained injuries, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
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