A ground crew member at American Airlines was hospitalized after being struck by a Boeing 787 while taxiing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The incident occurred as the aircraft was moving toward the gate following its arrival, resulting in the worker being taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
According to aviation insider JonNYC, who shared videos and posts on social media, the employee is currently in intensive care. American Airlines has not yet commented on the incident or confirmed details surrounding it. The initial video footage shows the aircraft taxiing when the wing walker, responsible for guiding the plane, was tragically hit.
Details of the Incident
The footage indicates that the American Airlines Boeing 787 was moving at speed when it collided with the ground crew member. Typically, wing walkers assist pilots by ensuring safe navigation during the aircraft’s movement on the ground. They are essential for preventing collisions with other vehicles or people in the vicinity.
In this case, it remains unclear why the crew member was in the path of the moving aircraft. Ground safety protocols dictate that all personnel should remain outside a designated exclusion zone while an aircraft is in motion. The role of the wing walker is to provide additional safety oversight, but the individual appears to have inadvertently entered the danger zone.
Witness reactions on social media reflect shock, with many expressing concern for the injured employee. Gary Leff from View From the Wing commented on the event, emphasizing the unfortunate prevalence of accidents involving ground crew members and aircraft collisions.
American Airlines Operations at DFW
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is among the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a major hub for American Airlines. Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, it is the second largest airport by land area, featuring six terminals and 224 gates.
American Airlines operates a total of 174 destinations from DFW, including 143 regular routes and 31 seasonal ones. Additionally, American Eagle services expand this network by offering another 125 destinations. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, American Airlines accounted for more than two-thirds of all flight operations at DFW between March 2024 and February 2025, serving over 47.8 million passengers during that period.
As the investigation into the incident continues, further details may emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the collision. The team at Simple Flying extends its best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured wing walker.
