Royal Air Maroc Boeing 787 Collides with Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 at Istanbul Atatürk Airport – Aug 9, 2018

On August 9, 2018, a dramatic collision between two large passenger aircraft occurred at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, highlighting the risks of apron operations at one of the world’s busiest hubs. A Royal Air Maroc Boeing 787 Dreamliner (registration CN-RGT), taxiing for departure, struck the tail of a stationary Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 (registration TC-JJZ), causing significant damage to both planes.

Timeline of Events

The incident unfolded at approximately 17:30 local time. The Royal Air Maroc flight, reportedly bound for Casablanca, was maneuvering along the taxiway when its right wing clipped the tail of the parked Turkish Airlines aircraft, which was being prepared for its next flight to New York JFK.

Immediate Response

Airport emergency teams quickly arrived on the scene. Firefighting units were dispatched as a precaution due to the risk of fuel spillage or fire. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew aboard either aircraft. The Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 was withdrawn from service, and its passengers were accommodated on an alternate flight.

Extent of Damage

Both aircraft sustained significant damage. The tail section of the Turkish Airlines Boeing 777 required extensive repairs, while the wing of the Royal Air Maroc Dreamliner was visibly damaged. Both planes were subsequently grounded for inspections and maintenance.

Investigation and Aftermath

A detailed investigation was launched to determine the root cause of the accident. Early reports suggested potential miscommunication or pilot error during the taxiing process. Istanbul Atatürk Airport’s operational protocols also came under scrutiny, emphasizing the challenges of managing apron activities during peak hours.

Blocked Transmission Between ATC and Pilot

Key Takeaways

This accident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and hazards of apron management at high-traffic airports. Enhanced communication, stricter operational protocols, and advanced ground surveillance systems are crucial to mitigating such incidents in the future.

Why This Matters

Accidents like this impact airline operations, passenger confidence, and airport efficiency. They also underline the importance of aviation safety measures, making them a critical focus for industry stakeholders.