HORROR ON THE TARMAC

An unusual ground incident at Charlotte Douglas International Airport on August 16, 2025, led to major delays for Frontier Airlines passengers.

The issue occurred when an Airbus A320, tail number N365FR, suffered damage during pre-departure preparations. A ground air-conditioning hose was accidentally pulled into the aircraft’s left engine.

The shredded hose disabled the aircraft, forcing the cancellation of its planned service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport, flight F93134.

Passengers originally scheduled on the flight were later accommodated on a replacement aircraft. Departure took place roughly nine hours behind schedule.

According to aviation sources, the A320 had earlier arrived from Philadelphia as flight F92387 at 10:25 a.m. During the turnaround, the suction of the CFMI LEAP-1A26 engine reportedly drew in the ground unit hose.

The incident prompted immediate action from ramp personnel, who ensured safety and initiated engine inspections. No injuries were reported, and operations staff managed the disruption effectively.

The aircraft, built in 2019 and now 5.7 years old, was confirmed to be an A320 despite initial confusion with the A321 model. The event highlights the ongoing hazards of ramp operations and the importance of strict safety protocols.