New Jersey, United States: A Singapore Airlines aircraft clipped the tail of a Spirit Airlines jet while maneuvering on the ground at Newark Liberty International Airport on March 3, prompting a federal investigation but resulting in no reported injuries.
The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. local time as Singapore Airlines Flight SQ21, operated by an Airbus A350-900 and bound for Singapore, was preparing for departure. The aircraft’s wing made contact with the tail section of a stationary Spirit Airlines Airbus A321neo, which was undergoing de-icing procedures at the time.
According to reports, the collision took place in an area of the airport not actively controlled by air traffic control, where aircraft movements are typically coordinated by ground personnel. Both aircraft immediately halted operations and returned to the gate.
Passengers and crew aboard both flights disembarked normally, and no injuries were reported.
Spirit Airlines confirmed that its aircraft was removed from service for inspection by maintenance teams. Singapore Airlines said its aircraft underwent engineering checks and was subsequently cleared for service. Flight SQ21 departed later the same day with a replacement crew after a delay of several hours.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into the ground collision to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether standard ground handling or communication procedures were followed.
Ground collisions, while relatively rare, can occur during congested airport operations, particularly during winter weather conditions when de-icing activities increase apron congestion and limit maneuvering space. Operations at Newark were not significantly disrupted following the incident.
