DENVER- An American Airlines (AA) Airbus A321 remains grounded at Tulsa International Airport (TUL) after a tug collision occurred prior to its departure from Denver International Airport (DEN).
The aircraft, operating as flight AAL790D, was en route to Tulsa for maintenance work when the incident took place. Despite the damage, the jet—registration N578UW—landed safely at TUL ahead of schedule.
The incident began at Denver (DEN) when ground handling operations went awry. A tug vehicle struck the parked American Airlines (AA) A321 shortly before its scheduled departure to Tulsa (TUL) on June 25, 2025.
Initial inspections at Denver determined that the damage was minor enough to allow a repositioning flight.
The aircraft departed DEN and landed safely in Tulsa nearly 15 minutes ahead of schedule. However, the collision raised operational concerns, as even small ground accidents can lead to substantial downtime and cost.
Aircraft ground damage frequently stems from avoidable human error. Inadequate training, haste, and lapses in attention are among the top causes. Ground handling areas are high-risk zones where even minor misjudgments can result in serious delays and costly repairs.
Aircraft parts most vulnerable to such damage include the empennage, wing edges, and landing gear. Towing incidents are particularly notable for causing oversteering or exceeding structural limits. Some aircraft are equipped with limiters to mitigate such risks.
To prevent future incidents, best practices include slowing operational tempo, verifying clearances before movement, and conducting regular reviews of ground support equipment (GSE) procedures. Ongoing skill reinforcement for ground crews remains essential.
Experts emphasize that any punctures must be fully assessed and repaired before the aircraft can safely return to service, as structural compromise could result in sudden decompression during flight.
The incident occurred on the ramp during routine ground handling operations. Fortunately, no passengers or crew were aboard, and the only injury reported was to the Sky Chef vehicle operator, who suffered minor wounds. The aircraft remains out of service pending a full inspection and structural integrity assessment.
Fuselage repairs involve detailed, regulated processes. Maintenance teams use non-destructive testing techniques, including eddy current and ultrasonic inspections, to detect cracks or hidden structural damage. Stress analysis through Finite Element Analysis helps assess the material’s load-bearing capacity.
Aluminum components of the fuselage, typical of the Embraer E175, require welding and post-repair heat treatments. In contrast, composite materials—used increasingly in modern aircraft—require layered repairs with adhesives, curing processes, and environmental controls.
Only certified aviation technicians are authorized to conduct such repairs. All maintenance must comply with FAA regulations and manufacturer guidelines. Documentation, traceability, and inspections are central to aircraft return-to-service approval.
