SAN FRANCISCO- On May 6, 2025, at approximately 12:35 AM local time, two United Airlines (UA) Boeing 777-300ER aircraft collided at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The incident involved United Flight UA877, bound for Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), and United Flight UA863, scheduled for Sydney Airport (SYD).
Two United 777 Collided at SFO
During pushback from Terminal 2, Gate 6, the right wingtip of the taxiing UA863 struck the left wingtip of UA877, which was being pushed back. Both aircraft sustained visible damage, primarily to their wingtips, prompting the cancellation of both trans-Pacific flights.
The collision occurred in an area where air traffic controllers do not directly communicate with flight crews, relying on ground crew coordination.
No injuries were reported among the 202 passengers and 16 crew members on UA863 and the 306 passengers and 16 crew members on UA877.
United Airlines promptly deplaned passengers and began rebooking them on alternative flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were notified and have launched investigations to determine the cause, focusing on ground handling procedures and communication protocols.
A video from inside the terminal showed workers inspecting the damaged wings using a hydraulic lift, confirming minor but repairable damage. United Airlines issued a statement emphasizing passenger safety and full cooperation with authorities.
United Airlines mitigated the SFO incident’s impact by rebooking over 500 passengers on alternative flights to HKG and SYD. The airline grounded both Boeing 777s (registrations N2645U and N2747U) for maintenance inspections.
Similar Incidents
Ground collisions, though rare, highlight the challenges of managing large aircraft at busy airports.
On February 5, 2025, a Japan Airlines (JL) Boeing 787-9 collided with a Delta Air Lines (DL) Boeing 737-800 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
The JAL aircraft, arriving from Tokyo Narita (NRT) with 172 passengers, struck the parked Delta aircraft, which was preparing for a flight to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) with 142 passengers. Emergency crews responded, and the FAA initiated an investigation.
On January 10, 2025, two American Airlines (AA) Boeing 737s collided at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). An aircraft under tow struck the wing of a parked plane, causing minor damage.
The FAA’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) system documented the incident, and an investigation followed.
On January 8, 2025, an American Airlines (AA) Boeing 737-800 collided with a United Airlines (UA) Boeing 787-10 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
The incident occurred at 9:50 a.m. during taxiing, with the American flight bound for Los Angeles (LAX) striking the tail of the United flight headed to Honolulu (HNL). No injuries were reported, and the FAA is investigating. A passenger described the impact as mild, akin to hitting a pothole.
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