Austrian Airlines A320neo Stabilizer Damage in Vienna Jet Bridge Collision
SCHWECHAT- On Saturday, an Austrian Airlines (OS) Airbus A320neo experienced significant damage when it collided with a jet bridge at Vienna Airport (VIE). This incident adds to a series of ground collisions involving aircraft this year.
The plane’s right horizontal stabilizer was torn off during the incident and was observed lying on the tarmac. The aircraft’s right wing also sustained damage as it apparently struck a utility pole.
Austrian Airlines A320neo Damaged at Vienna
Information regarding the incident started circulating on social media overnight and into early Sunday morning. Multiple reports indicate that the aircraft arrived at Vienna International Airport after a flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) as OS456. According to Flightradar24.com, the A320neo is registered as OE-LZQ and remains grounded at VIE.
Photographs depict significant damage to the aircraft, with its stabilizer completely torn off and the adjacent jet bridge. Other images illustrating the damage show a crushed outboard aileron on the right wing near the shark, apparently resulting from a collision with a large pole.
The plane, which arrived on schedule, parked at gate G11 around 22:45, according to data from FlightAware. Further details about the timing of the collision and any potential injuries remain unknown.
According to ch-aviation, the aircraft is less than a year old, having completed its first flight in May 2023 and delivered to Austria in June. With major damage to two critical parts of the jet, it will likely be out of service for several months for repairs.
Recent Ground Incidents
Aircraft ground incidents have been increasing lately. Simple Flying reported two incidents last week, both occurring within days of each other. On Thursday, a United Airlines A319 collided with another United plane at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), though the extent of damage to both aircraft is unknown. Flight data indicates that the A319 is expected to resume service this week after being grounded due to the incident.
On April 1st, an American Airlines A320 collided with what was believed to be an A321 operated by American at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Details about the damage to both planes remain unclear. Last month, the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline was involved in another incident when a Boeing 777-300ER hit a Frontier Airlines A321neo at Miami International Airport (MIA).
The triple-seven sustained minor damage to its left horizontal stabilizer, while the A321neo suffered more extensive damage. American has returned the widebody to service, while the Frontier jet remains grounded at MIA.
Expensive Consequences
Ground damage is frequently avoidable and costly. Between 2016 and 2022, over 26% of aircraft damage was attributed to contact with ground support equipment (GSE) and/or ground vehicles, as reported by Aviation Pros. Collisions during towing or pushback accounted for 25%.Aircraft pushback.
According to Brandon Popovich, Manager of Safety and Training at the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), some ground damage is immediately evident. In contrast, other damage may go unnoticed initially and would require inspection.
Repair costs typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, according to Jason Mann, former general manager at West Jet Aviation.
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