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A Japan Airlines plane struck the tail of a Delta Airlines aircraft while taxiing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on Wednesday morning, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
No injuries were reported, but passengers described the moment as "scary" and "shocking."
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about ground safety at major international airports, where tight schedules and congested taxiways increase the risk of collisions. The FAA temporarily paused some flights into the airport following the crash, adding to travel disruptions.
Witnesses posted videos to X (formerly Twitter) showing the Japan Airlines plane making contact with the Delta aircraft. One used by the name @jacqpatton posted a video of the collision itself. A TikTok user named @whyjackiewhy posted a video showing the end result of that damage from a different angle.
What To Know
According to the FAA, the collision occurred around 10:40 a.m. local time as the Japan Airlines plane was taxiing and its right wing clipped the tail of Delta Flight 1921, which was undergoing de-icing before departure. The Delta aircraft, a Boeing 727 with 142 passengers on board, had been scheduled to fly from Seattle to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Following the crash, Delta rebooked affected passengers on a new flight. The FAA and NTSB have launched investigations into the cause of the incident.
A TikTok user, @amychristensen1975, posted a video later that afternoon where she claimed to be on the Delta plane that was hit. "We're just sitting here, getting deiced, and then the plane was hit and slid."
Her video continued to show footage of the crew making plans to disembark the passengers.
What People Are Saying
American voice actress Dawn Bennett posted to X: "As someone who just flew Japan Airlines, this is unsettling. But if anyone has the numbers, I'd like to know if airline incidents truly are spiking overall after you-know-who's arrival."
SEA said in a statement: "Port of Seattle Fire, Police and SEA operations responded to an incident on the ramp" between the airport's S Concourse and the south airport maintenance hangars.
The airport added that it's staffers are "working with both airlines" to safely deplane passengers and bring them to the terminal.
"There is minimal impact to airport operations as this occurred on a taxi lane," SEA said. "Passengers are encouraged to check with their airlines if they are flying today."
What Happens Next
Authorities will examine potential causes, including whether pilot error, miscommunication with air traffic control or airport congestion played a role in the crash.
The FAA has not provided a timeline for completing the investigation but stated that "safety remains the top priority."
Meanwhile, passengers from both flights have been rebooked, and airport operations have returned to normal. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for potential delays due to increased safety reviews following the incident.
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