A routine taxiing operation turned into an alarming aviation incident at Miami International Airport after a UPS cargo aircraft and a Copa Airlines passenger jet collided on the ground on Saturday night, November 14.

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Two people sustained minor injuries in the incident and were treated by emergency responders.

The collision, which occurred at approximately 9.15 pm local time, involved a UPS Boeing 767 cargo aircraft and a Copa Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the wingtip of the Copa Airlines aircraft struck the nose of the UPS plane as both aircraft were taxiing.

The Copa Airlines flight was arriving from Panama City, while the UPS aircraft was preparing to depart for Bogota, Colombia.

The collision occurred at the intersection of two taxiways, the designated routes aircraft use to move between runways and airport terminals.

According to the FAA, air traffic controllers had instructed the UPS crew to give way to the arriving Copa Airlines aircraft. Investigators are now examining the circumstances leading to the collision.

The incident also came to light through an exchange between the pilots and air traffic controllers, which was captured in radio communications. A pilot was heard reporting, "Somebody hit us."

The UPS crew subsequently acknowledged that the aircraft had gone too far before the Copa jet's wingtip made contact with its nose.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel rushed to the scene and treated two people for minor injuries. Neither required transportation to a hospital, according to airport officials.

Despite the collision, airport operations continued without significant disruption. Flights were redirected to alternative taxiways to keep traffic moving and avoid congestion around the affected area.

UPS confirmed that one of its aircraft was involved in the ground incident and said its crew was safe. The company said it would cooperate with the authorities investigating the circumstances.

The collision occurred a day after the FAA ordered a nationwide ground stop that triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations across the United States.

The disruption was linked to problems with ageing air traffic control infrastructure, including communication equipment.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the Miami airport collision. Further details about the extent of the aircraft damage and the precise sequence of events are awaited.