A German reconnaissance aircraft on the island for a “farewell tour” has been stranded in Bermuda for more than a month after a collision at LF Wade International Airport.

German news outlet Welt reported that a P-3C Orion operated by Bundesmarine, the German Navy, was seriously damaged in a collision on the ground with a reversing business jet.

The propeller aircraft is designed for anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance.

A Bundesmarine spokesman told Welt: “The P-3C was standing on the tarmac when it was rammed by another reversing aircraft.

“Our aircraft was hit so badly that it is not operational for the time being, due to the damage.”

A spokeswoman for Skyport confirmed that the collision took place on the morning of September 25.

The spokeswoman said: “A private business aircraft made contact with a stationary German Air Force Lockheed P-3C while taxiing from the apron of the private jet facility.

“The aircraft continued its journey without further incident and arrived safely at its destination.

“The impacted aircraft remains on-site and is undergoing repairs, with a return to service expected in the coming weeks.

“While such occurrences are rare in Bermuda, they are not uncommon globally — particularly within complex airside environments.

“Skyport is working closely with the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority and the operators of the private jet facility, Cedar Aviation, to further its investigation.”

The damaged aircraft was one of eight P-3C Orions purchased from the Netherlands in 2006.

The four-engine aircraft were primarily used for long-range reconnaissance, but are now in the process of being phased out by the Bundesmarine.