Accident at O’Hare Airport: Driver hospitalized after tug vehicle hit by airplane wing

Accident at O’Hare Airport: Driver Hospitalized After Tug Vehicle Hit by Airplane

a serious accident occurred at Chicago O’Hare International Airport when the wing of an incoming aircraft collided with a tug vehicle, resulting in the hospitalization of the driver. The incident has raised concerns about airport ground operations and the safety of ramp workers.

Incident Overview

At approximately 6:35 p.m. local time, Air Wisconsin Flight 6181, operating as American Eagle, was approaching its gate at O’Hare. The flight had arrived from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Michigan. As the aircraft was taxiing, the wing struck a United Airlines tug vehicle that was crossing an active taxiway. The impact caused the tug to flip over, pinning the 64-year-old driver underneath. Emergency responders transported the driver to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in critical condition with head and lower body injuries. He has since been stabilized.

No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew aboard the aircraft. The passengers were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal by bus.

Investigation and Response

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Chicago Police Department’s Area Five Detectives are investigating the cause of the collision. Preliminary reports indicate that the tug vehicle was crossing the taxiway when it was struck by the aircraft’s wing.

United Airlines, the employer of the injured driver, has expressed its commitment to supporting the employee and is cooperating with the investigation. American Airlines, which operates Air Wisconsin under the American Eagle brand, has also stated that it is reviewing the incident.

Safety Concerns and Industry Reactions

The accident has drawn attention to the safety of airport ground operations. The International Association of Machinists (IAM), a labor union representing aviation workers, has called for improved safety measures for ramp workers. The IAM is urging the FAA to expedite the completion of its congressionally-mandated study on ramp worker safety to help improve conditions in the industry.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of recent accidents involving aircraft and ground vehicles. Just days prior, a medical transport helicopter crash in Philadelphia resulted in fatalities, and a midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., also led to multiple deaths.

Conclusion

The collision at O’Hare International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by airport ground personnel. As investigations continue, industry stakeholders are emphasizing the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect workers and prevent similar incidents in the future.