Incident details
The collision happened just before 1 a.m. at Hopkins when an airport tow tractor hit a Frontier aircraft that had recently arrived and was parked at a gate, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The plane had landed from West Palm Beach shortly before midnight and was on the ground when the crash occurred. Investigators said the tug was not secured in a locked position, allowing it to move and collide with the jet. The impact caused a small hole in the underside, or belly, of the aircraft.
Injuries and impact on operations
No injuries were reported among passengers or airport workers, and everyone had already deplaned when the tug struck the aircraft, troopers said. The extent of the damage kept the Frontier jet out of service while maintenance crews assessed repairs. Airport operations otherwise continued, with the incident described by authorities as a minor ground collision compared to more serious events affecting air traffic elsewhere.
Investigation under way
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, which focuses on how the ground equipment was left unsecured and whether mechanical failure or human error played a role. The Federal Aviation Administration typically reviews incidents involving aircraft damage on the ground, and troopers said their findings will be shared with federal regulators. In Ohio, state troopers routinely respond to aviation incidents at commercial airports, assisting with scene documentation and safety assessments.