Croatia Airlines A220 Damaged After Aborted Takeoff at Split

Croatia Airlines' brand-new Airbus A220-300, registration 9A-CAN, is grounded indefinitely after a disastrous aborted takeoff yesterday at Split Airport. The jet slammed into a runway indicator board, critically damaging an engine and its airframe.

Why the pilots aborted isn't yet officially clear. But as 9A-CAN rapidly decelerated, it veered, slamming into ground equipment before finally stopping. Fortunately, no injuries were reported onboard. The impact didn't just smash the indicator board — an essential piece of airport infrastructure never built for an airliner collision — it also inflicted substantial harm to the aircraft's airframe and potentially other critical systems, beyond just that one engine.

For Croatia Airlines, this incident is a serious blow. That 9A-CAN isn't just any plane; it's a relatively new A220, a central piece of their fleet modernization meant to improve operational efficiency and passenger experience. With a key new jet now sidelined, the airline faces significant operational hurdles. It's likely to impact scheduled flights and will certainly demand rapid logistical changes, especially as the peak travel season draws near.

Repairs, focused on that damaged engine and associated airframe issues, will begin soon. That could mean anything from superficial paneling to intricate structural work. Aviation experts will now thoroughly assess the full scope of integrity issues and system functionality post-impact. It's still unclear how long the A220 will be grounded, but these aren't quick or inexpensive fixes. They'll demand specialized parts and highly skilled technicians. Local aviation authorities, for their part, are launching a full investigation. It'll determine the exact sequence of events that led to the aborted takeoff and why the aircraft struck the ground equipment, scrutinizing both crew actions and airport infrastructure. Their goal is simple: prevent future incidents and protect both passengers and valuable aircraft.