Originally Posted by Wader2
In my area it would still be an accident.
I don't know what "your area" is, but ICAO has quite specific definitions. Particularly, an accident is an occurrence where an aircraft sustains damage adversely affecting performance
and requiring major repair or replacement of a component. (There are other conditions that make an occurrence an accident, but this one is the closest for this case.)
It might be argued that this was the case here, although I think the pilots still had full control authority. The wingtip fences' functions are reducing wake vortex ("induced drag") and thereby saving fuel.
However, ICAO Annex 13 makes the specific restriction:
[...] except for engine failure or damage, when the damage is
limited to the engine, its cowlings or accessories; or for
damage limited to propellers, wing tips, antennas, tires,
brakes, fairings, small dents or puncture holes in the
aircraft skin
So this is without doubt an incident, and not an accident according to internationally agreed definitions.
Bernd