Shocking footage has emerged showing the alarming aftermath of a runway collision between two passenger-packed planes at Congonhas Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. The video, which has been circulating widely, reveals a Gol Boeing 737-8 MAX with a gaping hole torn in its fuselage following a collision with a Latam Airbus A319 on July 29.
The terrifying incident unfolded around 5 pm as the Gol Boeing was preparing for takeoff. Moments earlier, the Latam Airbus had landed and was taxiing to the airport’s parking gate when its left wing tip struck the tail cone of the stationary Boeing. The impact caused a substantial tear in the Boeing aircraft, leaving a hole visible in the lower part of its fuselage.
The footage clearly shows the extent of the damage, with the Boeing’s tail section severely compromised. The Latam plane, while less severely affected, sustained minor damage to its wing and moderate damage to its tail. The visual evidence of the collision has left many viewers stunned by the potential catastrophe that was narrowly avoided.
Despite the alarming nature of the collision and the dramatic footage, both airlines reported that no injuries occurred. Passengers from both planes were safely evacuated, a testament to the quick response of the flight crews and airport personnel. The incident, however, led to significant disruptions in flight schedules.
Gol was forced to reroute passengers who were heading to Florianópolis to another plane. Latam, meanwhile, canceled two flights – one from São Paulo Congonhas to Curitiba and another returning to Congonhas. The airline worked to accommodate affected passengers on other flights.
The footage of the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present even on the ground at busy airports. It highlights the critical importance of precise coordination and communication between flight crews, ground staff, and air traffic controllers to prevent such collisions.
This event occurs against a backdrop of recent issues involving Boeing aircraft, although the collision itself appears to be unrelated to any manufacturer defect. Nonetheless, the incident adds to a series of concerning events that have put Boeing under scrutiny in 2024.
