MINOT— A United Express Embraer E175 preparing for departure was reportedly struck by a plow truck on the ramp at Minot International Airport (MOT), causing visible damage to the aircraft’s nose section. The early-morning incident led to an immediate operational disruption as ground crews and airline staff responded to the situation.
The aircraft was scheduled to operate a United Express flight to Denver International Airport (DEN) for United Airlines (UA), which was later canceled. Images shared in an online aviation community show a torn radome, prompting the carrier to remove the jet from service pending inspection.
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United Express E175 Grounded
The collision occurred on December 9, 2025, involving an Embraer E175 regional aircraft registered as N135SY and operated by SkyWest Airlines on behalf of United Express.
Photos circulated on social media show extensive nose damage that appears consistent with a direct impact from ground equipment.
The aircraft had been scheduled to depart Minot at 7:15 AM for a 90-minute flight to Denver. Flight-tracking data indicates that the service was canceled shortly afterward, and the jet was reassigned to later commercial operations from Denver to Palm Springs on December 11.
The 10.7-year-old E175LR features 76 seats in a two-class layout, offering 12 business seats and 64 economy seats.
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Ground Damage Context
Ground-handling incidents remain a regular challenge across global aviation operations. Equipment such as tugs, loaders, and service vehicles frequently interacts with aircraft, creating a risk of accidental contact.
Industry professionals note that while airport-level incidents may seem isolated, thousands of similar events occur worldwide each year.
Some operators argue that the frequency of these incidents remains underreported because many cases do not meet mandatory regulatory reporting thresholds.
Damage severity can vary widely, ranging from minor dents to significant structural issues requiring extended grounding and repairs.
Recent Comparisons
The Minot event is the latest in a series of recent ground-handling incidents involving major carriers.
Last week, an Emirates Airbus A380 was grounded in Manchester after a fuel truck reportedly struck one of its engine cowlings, delaying the aircraft for more than two days.
Similar events have also occurred in the United States. On November 18, two United Airlines Boeing 737-900ER aircraft made contact during pushback at Houston Intercontinental Airport, resulting in winglet damage to both jets.
These incidents highlight an ongoing industry concern about ramp safety and equipment maneuvering.
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Bottom Line
The reported collision between a plow truck and a United Express Embraer E175 in Minot underscores the persistent risks associated with aircraft ground operations.
While no injuries were reported, the damage forced the cancellation of the scheduled flight and added to a growing list of global ground-handling incidents.
Airlines and airport operators continue working to improve ramp procedures, though events like this show the issue remains far from resolved.
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