The greatest threat of collision at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport during early April’s unprecedented spring snowstorms was apparently from deicing trucks. Associated Press reported last week that no less than three collisions occurred between trucks and airplanes during whiteout conditions at the airport. In one case, the driver of the truck didn’t mention that he’d made contact, but the pilots apparently caught it and, as in the other two incidents, all three airplanes returned to the gates so they could be inspected. There’s no word on what damage, if any, the incidents caused. Of course, airport authorities rounded up all the drivers involved and gave them drug and alcohol tests, which they all passed. Airport officials blame the weather, poor communications and operator error. The FAA is investigating.
