On June 4, 2026, what was intended to be a festive event for Iberia in Guayaquil, Ecuador, escalated into an unfortunate incident. Iberia had upgraded its service to the airport from an Airbus A330-200 to an Airbus A350-900, representing a notable improvement in passenger experience and capacity. The flight from Madrid proceeded without issues, and the return flight, IB132, was set to leave at 11:25 AM.
As part of the festivities, a customary water cannon salute was planned. However, during the salute, the left wingtip of the Airbus A350 struck the water-dispensing section of a fire truck, resulting in considerable damage to the wingtip. This occurrence was extensively recorded and circulated on social media.
The flight was then canceled, and the aircraft stayed grounded, pending repairs. This incident emphasized the necessity of ensuring adequate clearance during such salutes, as both the pilots and fire truck operators did not avert the mishap. The fire truck was positioned too close to the aircraft, likely due to a failure to consider the A350’s wingspan.
This preventable error acts as a reminder of the intricacies of aviation and the importance of thorough planning, even during celebratory occasions. The incident highlights the need for effective communication and precise calculations to avoid similar situations in the future.