New Mexico state officials have declared that a government operated twin-engine airplane has been damaged and placed out of commission due to an accident occurring at the Santa Fe airport.
The General Services Department stated that a 2006 Beechcraft King Air was collided into Friday by an aircraft tug, a small tractor which moves aircraft and equipment. The tug reversed into the Beechcraft King Air, separating one of the plane’s doors and damaging a wing.
At the time of the incident, the plane was located on one of Santa Fe airport’s tarmacs, getting ready for a flight on behalf of Children’s Medical Service.
Agency officials say that an inattentive driver may be a likely factor in the incident.
Following protocol, the tug driver was tested for alcohol intoxication; however state police stated that all tests were returned negative. The tug driver works for a private company, and was treated at the scene with minor wounds.
It remains unclear how long it will take to repair the damage to the plane involved.
