Aircraft lifted off ground in collision at Aberdeen Airport

The incident happened at about 6pm on Tuesday while the Bombardier Q400 was about to be flown from the airport, where it had been parked since Flybe collapsed in March. The Loganair Embraer 145 was empty at the time and there were no injuries. It is understood the incident happened shortly after pilots who were taking Bombardier plane away had started to manoeuvre after it pushed back from its parking stand. Loganair said it did not expect any disruption to its flights as it has spare aircraft available. A Loganair spokesperson said: “Just before 6pm, a Loganair regional jet, parked with no passengers or crew members aboard, was hit by a former Flybe Bombardier Q400 aircraft, which we understand was being prepared for departure after being stored at Aberdeen Airport. “The nose of the Q400 impacted the rear port side of the Embraer, becoming lodged underneath and lifting the right main gear off the ground. “The most important thing is that no-one was injured in the incident, with the crew working on the ex-Flybe aircraft being safe and well, yet understandably shaken by the occurrence.” “The airport’s fire services were in attendance and the [UK Department for Transport’s] Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified. “A recovery operation for the aircraft is already in hand. “We do not expect this unfortunate occurrence will lead to any disruption to customers on Loganair flights from Aberdeen as we have standby aircraft available to fulfil our schedule.” A spokesperson for Aberdeen Airport said: “At approximately 6pm on Tuesday, a former Flybe aircraft, which was being prepared for departure, came into contact with a parked Loganair Embraer 145 regional jet. “There were no passengers on either aircraft, no-one was injured and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch is now carrying out an investigation.” An AAIB spokesperson said: “Following an incident at Aberdeen Airport yesterday, the AAIB is making initial enquiries, and at this stage there is no further comment.” A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription. Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up. Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website. Joy Yates