Iberia flight IB6659 departed Madrid and was due to land in Lima. However, upon arrival, the crew was informed of issues at the airport, forcing them to divert to PIO, a smaller airport located south of Lima. While taxiing at PIO, presumably during maneuvering or due to limited space, the wing of the A350 made contact with a pole. The extent of the damage is not yet publicly available, but the aircraft was grounded for further inspection and repairs.
By Aditya M
A Diverted Flight Takes a Turn for the Worse
Iberia flight IB6659 departed Madrid and was due to land in Lima. However, upon arrival, the crew was informed of issues at the airport, forcing them to divert to PIO, a smaller airport located south of Lima.
While taxiing at PIO, presumably during maneuvering or due to limited space, the wing of the A350 made contact with a pole. The extent of the damage is not yet publicly available, but the aircraft was grounded for further inspection and repairs.
Not an Isolated Incident
While uncommon, incidents of planes colliding with ground equipment or structures do occur. In the past year alone, there have been a few similar cases:
- In August 2022, a Qatar Airways cargo plane struck a light pole at Chicago O'Hare Airport, causing significant damage to its wing.
- April 2024 saw a collision between a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 and a British Airways A350 at London Heathrow, prompting a major response.
These incidents highlight the importance of careful ground handling procedures and clear communication between pilots and ground crews.
What Happened Next?
With the A350 out of commission, Iberia likely re-accommodated passengers on another aircraft or a rescheduled flight. Delays are to be expected in such situations.
The airline hasn't released any official statement regarding the cause of the incident or the timeline for the A350's return to service.
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