A ground crew member was hospitalized after being struck by an American Airlines Boeing 787 while the aircraft was taxiing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The incident occurred as the plane was approaching the gate, leading to concerns over safety protocols for ground staff. According to aviation insider JonNYC, the individual has been admitted to intensive care following the accident.
Video footage shared on social media captures the moment of the collision, showing the aircraft moving towards the terminal before hitting the ground crew member, known as a “wing walker.” This role typically involves guiding aircraft during taxiing and pushback to ensure safe navigation around the airport. Details regarding how the crew member ended up in the path of the moving aircraft remain unclear.
Incident Details and Safety Protocols
As the Boeing 787 approached the gate, the wing walker was in a position that led to the unfortunate contact with the aircraft. Typically, ground crew are positioned outside exclusion zones when an aircraft is in motion. Their responsibilities include monitoring the aircraft’s clearance from obstacles, ensuring the safety of both the vehicle and personnel on the ground.
The shared video indicates the severity of the situation, with reactions from witnesses highlighting the shock of those present during the incident. Gary Leff, from View From the Wing, commented on the incident, noting that collisions involving ground crew are tragically not uncommon in aviation. It underscores the critical need for strict adherence to safety protocols.
As investigations continue, American Airlines has not released an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. The airline is expected to cooperate with authorities to establish how the situation unfolded.
American Airlines Operations at DFW
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a major hub for American Airlines. Covering a land area that ranks second largest after Denver International Airport, DFW operates six terminals with a total of 224 gates. American Airlines alone operates flights to 174 destinations from DFW, catering to over 47.8 million passengers annually.
According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, American Airlines handled more than two-thirds of all flight operations at DFW between March 2024 and February 2025, reflecting its significant presence in the region. The airline’s subsidiary, Envoy Air, further bolsters this capacity by providing additional services to 125 destinations.
As more information about the incident becomes available, updates will be provided. The team at Simple Flying expresses hopes for a swift recovery for the injured ground crew member and reinforces the importance of safety in airport operations.
