A UPS Boeing 767 cargo plane and a Copa Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet collided at Miami International Airport on Saturday night, November 14, 2026. The aircraft made contact at the intersection of two taxiways while moving on the ground. Two people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene without being taken to a hospital. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
The collision occurred as the Copa flight was taxiing to its gate after arriving from Panama City and the UPS aircraft was preparing to depart for Bogotá, Colombia. Airport officials said flight operations continued, with aircraft directed around the affected taxiways.
| 1) | Aircraft collide while taxiing at Miami airport |
| 2) | Two people receive treatment for minor injuries |
| 3) | FAA examines taxiway movements and controller instructions |
| 4) | Copa and UPS describe the incident and passenger response |
| 5) | Collision follows wider U.S. air traffic disruption |
Aircraft collide while taxiing at Miami airport
The incident happened at approximately 9:15 p.m. local time at the intersection of two taxiways at Miami International Airport. The FAA said the left wingtip of Copa Airlines Flight CM427’s Boeing 737 struck the nose of a UPS Boeing 767. Both aircraft were taxiing when the contact occurred.
Copa’s aircraft had arrived from Panama City, Panama, and was heading toward its gate. The UPS cargo aircraft was preparing for a departure to Bogotá, Colombia. The ground collision did not involve an airborne event, and airport officials said other flights could continue using alternate taxi routes.
Two people receive treatment for minor injuries
Two people were treated at the scene by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue after the aircraft made contact. Officials described the injuries as minor, and neither patient required medical transport.
Copa Airlines said Flight CM427 was carrying 166 passengers and six crew members. The airline said all passengers left the aircraft and entered the terminal, with two people receiving treatment for apparent minor injuries. No additional injuries were reported in the available information.
FAA examines taxiway movements and controller instructions
The FAA said air traffic controllers had instructed the UPS crew to give way to the arriving Copa aircraft. The agency opened an investigation to determine how the aircraft reached the taxiway intersection and how the contact occurred.
An exchange captured in air traffic control audio indicated that the crews and controller discussed the collision after it happened. A Copa pilot said,
“Somebody just hit us.”
When asked whether the UPS aircraft had hit the other plane, a UPS pilot responded,
“Yeah, we went too far and he clipped us with his wing.”
The statements are part of the information being reviewed as investigators establish the sequence of taxiing movements.
Copa and UPS describe the incident and passenger response
Copa Airlines confirmed that its flight was involved and said the Boeing 737’s left wingtip contacted the UPS aircraft. The airline’s account said the passengers disembarked at the terminal after the collision and that the two injured people were treated for minor injuries.
UPS also acknowledged that one of its aircraft was involved in a ground incident in Miami. The company said its crew was safe and that it would cooperate with authorities investigating what happened.
“Our crew is safe, and we are committed to working with authorities to determine what happened. The safety of our employees and the public is our highest priority.”
Collision follows wider U.S. air traffic disruption
The Miami collision occurred as airports across the United States were recovering from a nationwide FAA ground stop on Friday. That disruption affected thousands of flights after instability involving radar and communications systems.
Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, said air traffic control communications had returned to full operation on Saturday. Bryan Bedford, the FAA administrator, said airlines expected to restore full schedules by the end of Sunday. The Miami airport collision was handled separately, with aircraft redirected to other taxiways and no immediate impact reported on overall airport operations.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A UPS Boeing 767 and Copa Boeing 737 collided at a Miami airport taxiway intersection. |
| 2 | Two people suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital transport. |
| 3 | The FAA is investigating the ground collision and the aircraft movements. |
| 4 | Copa Flight CM427 carried 166 passengers and six crew members. |
Summary
The Miami airport collision involved two commercial aircraft moving on the ground and resulted in two minor injuries. Airport operations continued through alternate taxiways, while the FAA began reviewing the controller instructions, crew actions and circumstances surrounding the contact. Further findings will depend on the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What aircraft were involved?
The aircraft were a UPS Boeing 767 cargo plane and a Copa Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet.
Where and when did the collision occur?
The aircraft collided at about 9:15 p.m. local time on November 14, 2026, at the intersection of two taxiways at Miami International Airport.
Were passengers or crew seriously injured?
Two people sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene. Neither required medical transport, and the UPS crew was reported safe.
Is the incident being investigated?
Yes. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating how the aircraft reached the taxiway intersection and how the collision occurred.
