Seattle, May 19 - On May 17, 2025, a ground collision involving two Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft disrupted operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). The incident occurred shortly after noon local time in the gate area, where the aircraft, operating as flights AS1190 and AS1094, were being maneuvered by ground-service tugs during pushback. Flight AS1190 was bound for Orange County, California, while Flight AS1094 was scheduled to depart for Sacramento, California. Both planes were fully boarded with passengers, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. The collision, described as minor, involved the winglets of the two aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 and a Boeing 737-900, grazing each other, causing slight damage that necessitated immediate action from airport authorities and the airline.
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident, focusing on ground-handling procedures and adherence to safety protocols. Initial reports indicate that the aircraft were being simultaneously pushed back from their gates, a routine operation at busy airports like Sea-Tac. However, the close proximity of the planes during this maneuver led to the unintended contact. Alaska Airlines responded swiftly, deplaning passengers from both aircraft to ensure their safety and facilitate inspections of the damaged planes. The airline issued an apology for the inconvenience and worked to rebook passengers on replacement aircraft. Flight AS1190 experienced a delay of approximately 3.5 hours, while Flight AS1094 departed with a shorter delay, as substitute aircraft were arranged to maintain the airline’s schedule.
The incident, though minor, highlights the complexities of ground operations at high-traffic airports. Sea-Tac, a major hub for Alaska Airlines, handles a significant volume of aircraft movements daily, requiring precise coordination between ground crews, air traffic control, and airline staff. The collision caused temporary disruptions, with airport operations resuming normalcy after the affected aircraft were removed from service for repairs. The FAA’s investigation will likely examine factors such as communication protocols, spatial awareness during pushback, and the role of ground-service equipment in preventing such incidents. This event follows a series of similar ground collisions at U.S. airports, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety measures in congested tarmac environments.
Alaska Airlines emphasized its commitment to safety, noting that the damaged aircraft were thoroughly inspected before being returned to service or sent for repairs. The airline is cooperating fully with the FAA to identify any lapses in procedure and implement corrective measures. For passengers, the incident was an unsettling reminder of the challenges inherent in modern air travel, though the absence of injuries and the airline’s efficient response mitigated broader concerns. As air traffic continues to grow, incidents like this underscore the need for enhanced ground safety protocols to ensure seamless and secure operations at busy airports like Sea-Tac.