5 Shocking Air Incidents: Why Logan Airport's Recent Plane Collisions And Near-Misses Are Raising Alarms

The recent incidents at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) have placed a harsh spotlight on ground safety protocols and air traffic control procedures. As of December 2025, the aviation world is reeling from a series of high-profile events, most notably a direct collision between two JetBlue aircraft on the tarmac and a terrifying, narrowly avoided runway disaster involving a packed Delta Air Lines jet. These occurrences have prompted immediate, high-level investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), demanding answers about the sudden spike in operational mishaps at one of the nation's busiest hubs. This article details the most significant incidents, focusing on the two recent JetBlue collisions and the dramatic near-miss that could have ended in catastrophe. The findings reveal critical moments of failure in communication and procedure, underscoring the vital need for enhanced safety measures to protect the thousands of passengers who pass through Logan Airport daily.

The December 2025 JetBlue Tarmac Collision: What Happened

The most straightforward "collision" incident to rock Logan Airport's recent history occurred in the early hours of a Thursday morning in December 2025. This was a direct, physical impact between two commercial airliners, both operated by JetBlue, while they were preparing for departure. The incident unfolded on the de-icing pad, a critical area where aircraft are treated for winter weather. The two aircraft involved were:

• JetBlue Flight 777: A scheduled service bound for Las Vegas.
• JetBlue Flight 551: A scheduled service bound for Orlando, Florida.

The Nature of the Strike

The collision was a classic ground incident, yet it caused significant damage that grounded both aircraft. The left winglet of JetBlue Flight 777, an Airbus A321neo, struck the right horizontal stabilizer of JetBlue Flight 551. A winglet is the vertical extension at the tip of an airplane's wing, designed to improve fuel efficiency. The horizontal stabilizer is the small wing-like structure at the tail, crucial for controlling the aircraft's pitch. Fortunately, no passengers or crew members were injured in the incident, as the aircraft were moving at slow speeds during the de-icing process. Both aircraft were immediately taken out of service by the airline and Massport for detailed inspections and extensive repairs. The incident caused significant delays and cancellations for both the Las Vegas and Orlando-bound travelers, highlighting the operational ripple effect of such a ground collision.

The Terrifying October Near-Miss: Delta vs. Cape Air

While the JetBlue event was a physical collision, the incident that arguably caused more alarm in the aviation safety community was a "runway incursion" that nearly resulted in a catastrophic mid-air collision. This event occurred on Thursday, October 30, 2025, just weeks before the JetBlue incident.

The Flight Details and Close Call

The near-miss involved a large international flight and a smaller regional aircraft. The flights involved were:

• Delta Air Lines Flight DL263: An Airbus A330-941 (Registration N421DX), carrying 284 passengers and 11 crew members. The flight was arriving from Paris and had been diverted to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).
• Cape Air Flight 548: A smaller, regional aircraft cleared for takeoff.

The Delta jet was on its final approach to land, while the Cape Air flight was simultaneously cleared by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to take off from an intersecting runway. This dangerous scenario, known as a runway incursion, put both aircraft on a direct collision course.

ATC Error and the Go-Around

The situation was only averted due to the rapid intervention of Air Traffic Control, who realized the error at the last possible moment. The pilot of the Delta Air Lines flight was instructed to perform an immediate go-around, an emergency procedure where the landing is aborted and the aircraft climbs rapidly to circle the airport for another attempt. Audio recordings from the cockpit and tower revealed the extreme tension of the moment, with the Delta pilot reportedly exclaiming, "That was close," after successfully aborting the landing. The FAA launched a full investigation into the near-collision, focusing on the ATC error that led to the two aircraft being placed on intersecting runways simultaneously. The incident has intensified scrutiny on the training and procedures for Logan's air traffic controllers.

A Pattern of Incidents: Building Topical Authority on Logan Airport Safety

The two high-profile events in late 2025 are not isolated. They are part of a worrying pattern of operational safety incidents at Boston Logan International Airport that have emerged over the last year. These incidents, while varied in nature, collectively signal a need for systemic improvements across ground operations and air traffic management.

The JetBlue Runway Excursion

In a separate incident, JetBlue Flight 312, an Airbus A220 arriving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), veered off the runway and into a grass area after landing. This type of event, known as a runway excursion, typically occurs due to factors like poor weather conditions, pilot error, or issues with the runway surface. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident further compounded the concerns over safe aircraft movement at the airport.

Ground Vehicle Collisions

Earlier in the year, a non-aircraft incident involving a ground vehicle also occurred, adding to the list of operational mishaps. A minivan crashed underneath a parked plane at Logan Airport, resulting in minor injuries to the driver. While not an aircraft-to-aircraft collision, it highlights a broader issue of vehicle control and safety protocols on the busy ramp and tarmac areas.

The Broader Context of Safety Investigations

The FAA and NTSB are now actively monitoring and investigating multiple recent incidents at Logan, including a separate "close call" between another JetBlue flight and a charter jet that occurred earlier in the year. This intense focus on Logan Airport, a major hub for airlines like JetBlue and Delta, is part of a nationwide push to improve aviation safety following several high-profile near-misses across the United States. The outcomes of these investigations are expected to result in new mandatory procedures and technological upgrades to prevent future ground collisions and runway incursions, ensuring the safety of all air travelers.

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