A Lion Air flight was aborted this morning after the plane’s winglet was damaged in a collision with a jet bridge while taxiing for take off.
JT-797 was scheduled to depart from Merauke, South Papua to the Papuan capital of Jayapura this morning, carrying 126 passengers. At 9:10am, after the plane had backed up from its parking spot, its right winglet brushed against the corner of a jet bridge.
Photos show a significant crack in the winglet and shattered glass in the jet bridge.
While winglets (also known as wing tips) are designed to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency, they are not absolutely essential for flight. Nonetheless, the pilot exercised caution and aborted the flight.
Lion Air says an investigation into the incident will be launched, while local police have suggested negligence on the part of the pilot.
The airline says JT-797 passengers were offered flight transfers and refunds.
