On January 16, 2024, a ground collision incident occurred at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Japan, involving a Korean Air Airbus A330-300 and a Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300. This event took place under challenging weather conditions marked by a blizzard and heavy snowfall.
The Korean Air Airbus A330-300, with the registration HL7702, was preparing for flight KE766 to Seoul when it collided with the stationary Cathay Pacific Boeing 777. The Korean Air flight was carrying 289 passengers, and fortunately, there were no injuries. The Cathay Pacific aircraft was empty at the time and was scheduled for a flight to Hong Kong International Airport.
The collision happened when a towing vehicle, maneuvering the Korean Air Airbus, slipped on the snow-covered ground, leading the aircraft’s wing to strike the tail of the Boeing 777. Despite the collision, no fire or fuel leaks were reported. Authorities have confirmed that both airlines are cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
New Chitose Airport, located in Hokkaido, is known for its severe winter weather. This incident closely follows another recent aviation accident in Japan involving a Japan Airlines A350 and a Japanese Coast Guard aircraft at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.
