During Take-Off, JetBlue Plane Scrapes Tail To Avoid Head-On Collision

(CTN News) – A JetBlue aircraft encountered a tail scrape incident during take-off at a regional airport in Colorado, United States, to avoid a head-on collision with another aircraft, as stated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

This incident occurred last year when the other aircraft was preparing to land on the same runway. According to the NTSB report, the JetBlue captain promptly raised the nose of the aircraft higher than usual “due to his surprise about encountering head-on landing traffic”.

Upon hearing the JetBlue captain’s announcement on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) that they were leaving the ramp area to taxi onto the runway, the pilot of the incoming Beechcraft King Air 350 became alarmed.

Shortly after, the King Air pilot reported on the local CTAF that they were “about 9 minutes out, for ten, coming in from the east, descending out of 17,000 ft”, as mentioned in the NTSB report.

“I hope you don’t hit us,” expressed the King Air crew to the JetBlue pilots.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reported that based on flight data, the JetBlue Airbus A320 initiated a climbing right turn away from the airport when it was approximately 2.6 miles (4.1 kilometers) away from another aircraft.

A video capturing the incident shows the Airbus A320 crossing the runway with its nose pointing upwards and its tail forcefully hitting the ground, leaving ground workers astonished.

The NTSB further stated that a prompt right-turn maneuver after take-off prevented a potential collision between the two planes.

Additionally, the regulatory body highlighted that JetBlue has taken proactive measures by developing pilot training programs focused on flying at non-towered airports following this incident.

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