Two Delta Air Lines aircraft collided into each other on a taxiway at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), causing extensive delays.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the collision took place on the evening of July 27, 2024, at around 10:15 local time.
Three Delta planes were on standby to depart from Runway 16L at SLC Airport. The accident involved an Airbus A320, operating as flight DL2677 to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and a Boeing 737-900ER, flying as flight DL2046 to Bozeman (BZN). The third aircraft, an Airbus A220-100, scheduled as flight DL1304 to Orange County (SNA), was also waiting to take off but was not part of the incident.
A recording of the conversation between a pilot of the DL1304 and air traffic control was uploaded to YouTube. The DL1304 pilot informed SLC that the headwind was exceeding safe limits for takeoff.
“Right now, for the Delta 1304, we have four knots too much tailwind. We’re just running the number, so stand by,” the Delta 1304 pilot told air traffic control.
The Delta 2046 pilot informed the controllers that they could depart from the Hotel 12 intersection on Runway 16L, ahead of the other two aircraft.
“Tower, Delta 2046, we have a number for a Hotel 12 departure if able,” the Delta 2046 pilot told air traffic control.
“Delta 2046, that’s fine, runway – and you have access now?” air traffic control responded.
“We can get in there,” the Delta 2046 pilot said.
The B737 did not have enough space to turn behind the A320. While starting a right turn to Hotel 12 for takeoff, the aircraft’s wing collided with the A320’s tail in front.
After the collision, both aircraft returned to the terminal.
“Delta teams worked to accommodate customers to their final destinations after the wingtip of Delta flight DL2046 contacted a parked aircraft at SLC. We sincerely apologize for the delay to their travels,” Delta Air Lines said in a statement.
No injuries were reported on either aircraft. However, the incident has raised concerns about ground safety producers, with local media reporting that the incident could have been avoided.
In total, 240 passengers were affected by the collision. DL2046 was carrying 109 passengers, while 131 travelers were on board DL2677.
Both flights were canceled and rerouted to their initial destinations the following day, on July 28, 2024.
