A cargo container has been sucked into the engine of an American Airlines 787 while the jet was on the taxiway at Chicago Airport.

The incident happened after the 787 arrived at 3 pm on Thursday.

The American 787 had stopped behind an Air France A350 and the airport tug towing containers was apparently cleared to cross between the two aircraft.

However, the jet blast from the A350 blew the containers off their dollies and one was ingested by the 787’s right engine causing extensive damage.  

It is speculated that at the time the tug driver proceeded to cross between the aircraft the Air France A350 was powered up to move forward.

It is also believed that the latches to hold the containers in the place were not secured.

The incident is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Chicago Department of Aviation.

In the video below the actual incident is at the 2.13 minute mark.