February 16, 2025
Ground Tug Collides with American CRJ200 at Chicago O’Hare, Injuring Driver

Ground Tug Collides with American CRJ200 at Chicago O’Hare, Injuring Driver

A serious incident at Chicago O'Hare International Airport has left a ground crew member critically injured after a tug vehicle collided with an American Eagle CRJ200 aircraft.
Aerial view of Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Photo Credit: Chicago O'Hare International Airport

A serious incident at Chicago O’Hare International Airport has left a ground crew member critically injured after an American Eagle CRJ200 aircraft collided with a tug vehicle.

The incident occurred on a taxiway as the American Eagle CRJ200, operating as American Airlines flight AA6181 was taxiing in after arriving from Kalamazoo, MI.

The collision, which occurred on has sparked an investigation into airport ground safety procedures and raised concerns about the risks faced by ground personnel.  

Ground Collision Chicago O’Hare (ORD)


The regional jet struck the tug, a small vehicle used to move aircraft, as the tug attempted to cross a taxiway. The impact flipped the tug, resulted in the driver becoming trapped underneath the vehicle, sustaining serious head and lower body injuries.

Emergency responders attended the scene and worked to extricate the injured employee. The driver was then transported to a Lutheran General Hospital where received critical care. Police said that the injured driver’s condition has since stabilized but remains serious.

The tug vehicle was reported as being operated by United Airlines. No passengers were on board the American Eagle CRJ200 were injured as a result of the ground collision. The aircraft itself is being inspected for damage, and it is unclear when it will be returned to service.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified of the incident. It is now conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the accident.

This investigation will likely involve reviewing airport safety protocols, and examining the condition of the vehicles involved. This incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by ground crews who work in close proximity to large aircraft.

User:PlanespotterA320, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hazards Involved with Ground Operations


Airports are busy and complex environments, and ground personnel are often working under tight deadlines, sometimes in challenging weather conditions. The proximity of moving vehicles, including tugs, baggage carts, and aircraft, creates a potential for accidents. Safety regulations and training are crucial to minimizing these risks.  

The focus now is on the well-being of the injured ground crew member. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and team members. We are reviewing this incident,” American Airlines said in a statement. The airline confirmed in their statement that the driver worked for another operator.

The investigation by the FAA will be critical in identifying any contributing factors to the accident. This may include reviewing existing safety protocols, and communication between ground crews and air traffic control. The safety of all airport personnel, both on the ground and in the air, remains the priority.

Conclusion


The ground tug collision incident at Chicago O’Hare (ORD) comes after two fatal aircraft accidents in the United States. It occurred the day after a Learjet medevac transport aircraft crashed after takeoff in Philadelphia, killing seven.

It comes less than a week after a collision between an American Airlines CRJ700 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. The Washington D.C. accident resulted in the loss of 67 lives. It became the deadliest UK aviation disaster in over two decades.

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