A Boeing 787 Dreamliner sliced through the tail of a parked Airbus A321 at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, sending debris across the runway and prompting immediate suspension of four Vietnam Airlines pilots as investigators classify the collision as a severe safety breach.
Key Takeaways
- Two Vietnam Airlines aircraft collided at Hanoi Airport, with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner’s wingtip striking an Airbus A321’s vertical stabilizer
- All four pilots from both aircraft have been suspended pending an investigation by Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority
- Preliminary findings suggest the Airbus A321 was incorrectly parked on taxiway S3
- No injuries were reported among the 386 passengers aboard both planes, who were provided alternate flights
- The incident has been classified as Level B, the second highest on a five-tier safety breach scale
Collision Details and Immediate Response
In a dramatic incident that occurred around 2 p.m. at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner collided with a parked Airbus A321, causing significant damage to both aircraft. The Boeing’s right wingtip struck the Airbus’s vertical stabilizer (tail fin) while taxiing, effectively severing it and scattering debris across the runway. Airport personnel immediately cleared the debris to minimize disruption to other flights, while both damaged aircraft were promptly grounded for thorough inspection.
“Two Vietnam Airlines collided after a Boeing aircraft cut too close to an Airbus, slicing its tail on the airport tarmac,” according to media reports.
Investigation and Accountability Measures
Vietnam Airlines has taken swift action by suspending all four pilots involved in the incident. An independent investigation team, along with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), has been assembled to determine the exact cause of the collision and assign accountability. The incident has been classified as a Level B occurrence on the aviation safety scale, representing the second highest severity level in a five-tier system and indicating a serious breach of safety protocols that demands thorough examination.
“Vietnam Airlines has suspended four pilots after two of its planes collided at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport on Friday,” stated Vietnam Airlines.
Preliminary findings from investigators point to incorrect positioning of the Airbus A321 on taxiway S3 as a potential contributing factor to the collision. The investigation will examine all aspects of the incident, including communication between the flight crews and air traffic control, adherence to standard operating procedures, and any potential mechanical or visibility issues that might have played a role in the accident.
Passenger Impact and Airline Response
Remarkably, none of the 386 passengers aboard both aircraft suffered injuries during the collision. Vietnam Airlines promptly arranged alternative flights for affected passengers to minimize travel disruptions. The airline has maintained a cooperative stance with aviation authorities throughout the investigation process, demonstrating its commitment to passenger safety and operational transparency during this challenging situation.
“Vietnam Airlines said it suspended the four pilots, two from each flight crew, from Friday afternoon pending the results of an internal investigation,” reported Vietnam Airlines.
This incident comes during what experts are calling one of the deadliest years for air travel in the past decade, with fatality numbers nearly double the average. While this particular collision resulted in no casualties, it highlights the ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety standards and the constant vigilance required to maintain them, especially as global air traffic continues to increase following post-pandemic recovery.
Future Prevention Measures
As the investigation continues, Vietnam Airlines has emphasized its commitment to implementing any necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The findings from this investigation will likely lead to revised procedures for aircraft positioning on taxiways, enhanced communication protocols between ground control and flight crews, and potentially additional training requirements for pilots operating at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport.
“Vietnam Airlines said it is fully cooperating with aviation authorities to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future,” confirmed Vietnam Airlines.
The collision serves as a sobering reminder of the precision required in aviation operations, even during seemingly routine ground movements. Despite the aviation industry’s generally stellar safety record, incidents like this highlight the narrow margins for error and the critical importance of maintaining strict adherence to established safety protocols at all times. The Vietnamese aviation authority will likely issue comprehensive findings and recommendations once the investigation concludes.
