According to the FAA Order 7050.1A, a surface event is an “. . . occurrence at an airport
involving a pedestrian, vehicle, or aircraft on the movement area that involves an incorrect presence, unauthorized movement or occurrence that affects or could affect the safety of flight of
an aircraft.” The same reference defines a surface incident as an “unauthorized or unapproved
movement within the designated movement area (excluding runway incursions) or an occurrence in that same area associated with the operation of an aircraft that affects or could affect
the safety of flight.” Most frequently, surface events and wingtip collisions happen in the ramp