Passengers injured as two planes collide on Miami airport tarmac

Two aircraft collided on the tarmac at Miami International Airport, resulting in minor injuries to two passengers. The incident occurred on Saturday, around 9:15 p.m., when a Copa Airlines Boeing 737 and a UPS Boeing 767 were moving on the runway, each preparing for departure or landing. The wingtip of the Copa Airlines plane struck the nose of the UPS aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Greg Chin, the airport's communications director, informed CNN that two individuals were treated for minor injuries at the scene. A passenger on the Copa Airlines flight, Cesar Ferreira, recounted the event, explaining that he first heard other passengers reacting, followed by the sound of the impact. The Copa Airlines pilot informed air traffic controllers that their aircraft had been struck by the UPS plane, while the UPS pilot acknowledged that their aircraft had clipped the Copa Airlines plane.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the collision, referencing recordings of radio communications between the pilots and air traffic controllers. Copa Airlines confirmed that all 166 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated from their aircraft and returned it to the terminal. The damaged UPS plane displayed extensive damage to its nose, including crumpled sections and a large hole.

Both airlines expressed regret over the disruption to passengers and pledged cooperation with investigators. This incident follows recent disruptions at U.S. airports due to an FAA ground stop, which led to widespread flight cancellations and delays.