Delta Air Lines Collision with Air Canada Plane at Los Angeles Airport Prompts FAA Investigation

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

  • calendar_today October 7, 2026

Delta Air Lines Collision with Air Canada Jet at Los Angeles Airport

A Delta Air Lines plane collided with an Air Canada jet at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Tuesday morning, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, but both aircraft sustained damage during the taxiway incident.

Details of the Taxiway Incident

The collision occurred as the Delta Air Lines aircraft was taxiing for departure. According to reports, the left wingtip of the Delta plane clipped the horizontal stabilizer—the rear stabilizing fin—of Air Canada Flight 875. The Air Canada plane was being towed to its gate when it stopped short, as confirmed by the FAA in an official statement.

Communication Between Pilots and Air Traffic Control

Audio recordings from LiveATC.net reveal that the Air Canada plane's pilot reported to air traffic control that they “felt a shudder” after the impact and requested a visual check of the aircraft. Meanwhile, the Delta flight crew informed controllers they were stopping due to an “issue with the wing tip.” These communications highlight the quick response by the pilots and air traffic control to ensure immediate assessment of the situation and maintain flight safety protocols.

Aircraft Damage and Immediate Response

KTLA 5, a local television news station, obtained aerial footage showing that other planes continued operations nearby while ground crews attended to the incident. The video captured part of the Delta jet's wing dangling against the tail of the Air Canada plane. Both aircraft were disabled for inspection and repairs due to the visible damage from the incident.

Flight Operations and Passenger Safety

According to a Delta spokesperson, 275 passengers and 15 crew members were aboard the Delta aircraft, which was scheduled to depart for Tokyo Haneda Airport. No injuries were reported.

Air Canada spokesperson Sean Davidson told People Magazine that the Air Canada plane had just arrived from Toronto and was being towed to the gate when the collision occurred. He confirmed there were no injuries to passengers or crew, and the jet was taken out of service for evaluation and necessary repairs.

FAA Investigation and Impact on Airport Operations

Airport spokespersons confirmed that the incident took place on a taxiway, not a runway, and that overall airport operations at LAX were not significantly affected. Flights continued to operate normally in the hours after the collision, and no injuries were reported by either airline.

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were notified and have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. The ongoing investigation will examine aircraft movements, air traffic control communications, and ground procedures to help prevent future occurrences and strengthen flight safety.

Conclusion

The delta air lines collision with an air canada plane at Los Angeles airport has again highlighted the importance of strict flight safety protocols and prompt incident response. With both the FAA and NTSB investigating, findings from the taxiway incident will likely inform future airport operations and coordination efforts among airlines, air traffic control, and ground crews. No injuries were reported, and the airport resumed normal operations after the event.