On June 5, 2010, about 1720 eastern daylight time, an Airbus A330-323, N277AY, collided with a standing Airbus A321-231, N508AY, during taxi to a runway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, North Carolina. The A330 sustained minor damage, the A321 sustained substantial damage, and there were no injuries to the occupants of either airplane. Both airplanes were operated by US Airways Inc. as flights 704 and 413, respectively. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and instrument flight rules flight plans were filed for both scheduled passenger flights, which were conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121.
The captain of the A330 stated, "…Holding on taxiway E at approximately number 5 for takeoff [from runway 18C] behind other aircraft who were receiving re-routes for weather affecting westbound departures. Tower asked if we could depart from runway 18C from taxiway E10 intersection (18CX). Received new weight/balance numbers for 18CX departure. While turning onto taxiway E10, right wingtip contacted tail of aircraft holding ahead of us on taxiway E…"
The first officer of the A330 stated, "…while in line for departure, we were cleared on to the runway via taxiway E-10. As we made the turn, the right wingtip contacted a US Airways aircraft holding on taxiway E in front of us…"
According to the Director of Flight Safety at US Airways, as the A330 was cleared to take off on runway 18C from taxiway E10, it had to make a left turn from taxiway E on to E10. The captain asked the first officer if there was adequate clearance from their right wing tip, to the tail of the standing A321 ahead. The first officer replied affirmative and continued with preparing for takeoff. The flight crew subsequently felt a jolt as the right wing tip of the A330 contacted the rudder of the A321. The impact resulted in minor damage to the wing tip of the A330 and substantial damage to the rudder of the A321.
The recorded weather at 1752 included few clouds at 2,200 feet and visibility 10 miles.