Commercial-Aircraft jet tail wing clipped at Charleston International Airport Friday night

The tail of a Breeze Airways Airbus A220-300 aircraft was struck by a taxiing All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner at Charleston International Airport (CHS) on the evening of July 18, 2025, resulting in minor injuries to two individuals and significant operational disruptions. This incident occurred while the Breeze Airways flight MX509, diverted from its Las Vegas to Norfolk route due to thunderstorms, was parked and awaiting refueling around 9:49 p.m. ET. The collision represents the latest in a series of ground safety incidents at U.S. airports, occurring against a backdrop of heightened aviation safety scrutiny following multiple high-profile near-misses and the fatal January 2025 Potomac River midair collision that killed 67 people. Charleston International Airport, South Carolina’s busiest aviation facility and a focus city for Breeze Airways, hosts significant Boeing Manufacturing operations, adding industrial complexity to its airfield operations. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigators are examining multiple contributing factors including weather-related diversions, ground control procedures, and aircraft taxiing protocols during nighttime operations.

Detailed chronology of the collision event

Sequence of Events

The incident began with Breeze Airways flight MX509 diverting to Charleston due to severe thunderstorms obstructing its original route. Upon safe landing, the Airbus A220-300 was directed to a parking position to await refueling. Meanwhile, a newly manufactured ANA Boeing 787-10, originating from Boeing’s nearby assembly plant, was conducting ground movements. At approximately 9:49 p.m., the 787-10’s right wingtip struck the tail of the stationary A220-300.

The impact occurred in the southeast ramp area, a zone known for its operational complexity due to proximity to both commercial gates and Boeing’s industrial facilities. The ANA aircraft was reportedly being maneuvered for delivery preparation, a common occurrence at CHS given Boeing’s presence.

Both aircraft sustained structural damage, with the ANA’s wingtip and the Breeze jet’s vertical stabilizer affected. The A220’s empennage, critical for flight control, absorbed the brunt of the collision forces, prompting immediate grounding for inspection and repair.

Injuries and Response

Emergency services responded swiftly. Two individuals were evaluated for minor injuries but were not hospitalized. All passengers aboard the Breeze flight were safely deplaned. The ANA aircraft had no passengers, as it was not yet in commercial service.

Charleston County Aviation Authority and local fire teams established safety perimeters and temporarily halted nearby taxiway operations. The incident did not result in wider airport closures, thanks to its location away from primary runways.

By early morning on July 19, Breeze had arranged a recovery flight to Norfolk, minimizing passenger disruption. The damaged aircraft remained at CHS pending FAA and NTSB inspection.

Aftermath and Recovery

Following the incident, Breeze Airways issued a statement confirming their aircraft was stationary and properly parked. ANA acknowledged the incident involved one of their aircraft undergoing post-production testing. Boeing, which manages 787 production at CHS, initiated an internal review of taxi procedures.

The FAA began an investigation focusing on ground control communication, aircraft clearance protocols, and lighting conditions. Investigators are also examining whether weather-related diversions contributed to ramp congestion and operational confusion.

The A220-300 will require significant repair work, particularly to its composite tail structure. Technicians estimate several thousand labor hours for full restoration, based on Airbus repair guidelines.

Technical specifications and operational context of involved aircraft

Breeze Airways Airbus A220-300

The A220-300 is a modern narrow-body jet designed for efficiency and comfort. It features a 38.7-meter fuselage, 35.1-meter wingspan, and can seat up to 150 passengers. Its range of over 6,000 kilometers suits medium-haul routes like Las Vegas to Norfolk.

Equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines, the A220-300 is known for fuel efficiency and low noise. Breeze Airways, founded in 2021, adopted the A220 as a cornerstone of its fleet strategy, emphasizing cost-effective operations on underserved routes.

The aircraft involved in the incident had been in service since late 2023 and had accumulated approximately 2,500 flight hours. It features a T-tail design, making the vertical stabilizer particularly vulnerable in ground collisions involving taller aircraft.

ANA Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner

The 787-10 is the largest variant of Boeing’s Dreamliner family, measuring 68.3 meters in length with a wingspan of 60.1 meters. It typically carries 318 to 336 passengers and is designed for long-haul international service.

The aircraft involved was newly assembled at Boeing’s North Charleston facility and was undergoing post-production taxi checks. Its raked wingtips, designed for aerodynamic efficiency, extend further than traditional wings, increasing the risk of ground contact in tight ramp areas.

With a height of 17 meters, the 787-10 towers over smaller aircraft like the A220, which stands 11.5 meters tall. This height disparity likely played a role in the collision geometry that led to the impact with the A220’s tail.

Charleston International Airport operational environment

Historical Background and Significance

Charleston International Airport serves both civilian and military operations, sharing its airfield with Joint Base Charleston. In 2023, it handled over 6.1 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in South Carolina.

Its strategic importance is amplified by Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner assembly plant, which spans 265 acres adjacent to the airfield. This setup creates an unusual mix of commercial, military, and industrial aviation traffic.

Breeze Airways has designated CHS as a focus city, further increasing traffic volume and operational complexity. The airline maintains maintenance and crew facilities on-site.

Recent Safety Incidents at CHS

In the past 18 months, CHS has seen at least three notable ground incidents. One in January 2024 involved a Boeing-owned 787 and a ground vehicle, resulting in property damage but no injuries.

These incidents highlight the challenges of managing mixed-use airfields with high volumes of aircraft movement. The July 18 collision adds to this pattern, emphasizing the need for improved ramp safety protocols.

The airport’s layout includes intersecting taxiways and limited visibility zones, particularly problematic during nighttime operations and adverse weather conditions.

Boeing’s Presence and Impact

Boeing’s facility at CHS is a major economic driver but also introduces operational risks. Newly built aircraft frequently taxi between production and delivery areas, sharing space with commercial jets.

This environment demands heightened coordination between ground control, airline operations, and manufacturing logistics. The July 18 incident illustrates how even minor missteps in this ecosystem can lead to significant consequences.

As Boeing continues to ramp up production of the 787, the volume of ground movements involving wide-body aircraft is expected to increase, necessitating more robust safety measures.

Aviation ground safety trends and regulatory context

Runway Safety and FAA Initiatives

In response to a rise in surface incidents, the FAA introduced the Surface Safety Risk Index (SSRI) in 2024. This model assesses potential injury severity based on collision geometry and other factors.

Charleston’s July 18 event may prompt reevaluation of its risk profile under the SSRI framework. While CHS is not currently on the FAA’s high-risk list, its unique operational environment could warrant inclusion.

Technological upgrades like Enhanced Taxiway Centerlines and Surface Movement Radar have been implemented, but these primarily target runway incursions, not ramp area collisions like the one involving Breeze and ANA.

Analysis of Similar Incidents Nationwide

Similar incidents have occurred at other Airports. In February 2025, a Japan Airlines 787 clipped the tail of a Delta 737 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. No injuries were reported, but the event raised concerns about ground clearance protocols.

These cases suggest a trend of wide-body aircraft encountering clearance issues in congested ramp environments. The combination of larger aircraft and limited ramp space increases collision risk.

Industry analysts have called for better integration of ground movement data and predictive analytics to prevent such incidents, especially during peak traffic or adverse weather conditions.

Industry Challenges and Expert Opinions

Air traffic controller shortages, aging infrastructure, and rising passenger volumes all contribute to increased ground incident risks. As of 2024, the U.S. faced a shortage of over 3,000 controllers nationwide.

Captain Jason Ambrosi of the Air Line Pilots Association has emphasized the need for more investment in ramp area surveillance and wingtip clearance technologies. These are currently lacking at many airports.

Experts agree that while runway safety has improved, ramp and taxiway operations remain a blind spot. The Charleston collision may serve as a catalyst for broader regulatory changes in this area.

Conclusion and safety recommendations

The Charleston incident underscores the need to rethink how ground safety is managed at complex airports. While no serious injuries occurred, the potential for greater harm was present and cannot be ignored.

Key recommendations include mandating wingtip clearance systems for wide-body aircraft, enhancing ramp lighting, and establishing dedicated zones for diverted flights. These steps could significantly reduce the risk of future collisions in similar environments.

FAQ

What caused the Charleston aircraft collision?
A taxiing ANA Boeing 787-10 struck the tail of a parked Breeze Airways Airbus A220-300 due to clearance misjudgment during nighttime operations.

Were there any injuries?
Two individuals were evaluated for minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.

Is Charleston International Airport considered a high-risk facility?
While not currently on the FAA’s high-risk list, the airport’s mixed-use operations and industrial traffic may prompt reevaluation.

Sources

ABC News 4, FAA Runway Safety, Boeing 787 Specifications, Airbus A220 Overview, Breeze Airways, Charleston International Airport