On September 1, 2025, at approximately 9:10 p.m. PDT, a ground collision occurred at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) involving two United Airlines aircraft.
United flight UA1871, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 (registration N17594) bound for Denver (DEN), was pushing back from its gate. During the procedure, its wingtip struck the tail of United flight UA796, parked and preparing for departure to Boston (BOS).
United Airlines Ground Collision SFO
The incident took place in a non-controlled ramp area, where aircraft movements are managed by ground crews rather than air traffic control.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew on either aircraft. Both planes were taken out of service for inspection and repairs, and passengers deplaned normally.
United Airlines promptly arranged alternate aircraft to minimize disruptions, ensuring passengers reached their destinations with minimal delay.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed it is investigating the incident, noting that a preliminary assessment suggests a possible failure of the tug’s towing bar may have contributed. The exact cause remains under review.
United Airlines issued a statement following the ground collision. “We are working closely with the FAA and other authorities to understand the circumstances of this incident.”
“The safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure affected aircraft are thoroughly inspected before returning to service.”
Other Incidents
The collision marks the second incident involving United Airlines at SFO within 24 hours, following an unrelated flight that returned mid-flight due to a cabin odor.
While the events are not connected, they highlight the complexities of ground operations at busy airports like SFO, which handled over 50 million passengers in 2024.
A ground incident at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also saw two United Airlines Boeing 777-300ER aircraft clip wingtips on 6 May 2025.
In that incident, one United Airlines 777-300ER was being pushed back from Terminal 2, Gate 6. The aircraft was preparing for departure as flight UA877 to Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, a second United 777 was taxiing for its departure as flight UA863 to Sydney, Australia. The wingtip of the aircraft undergoing pushback clipped the wingtip of the taxiing flight, causing minor damage to both planes.
Conclusion
The FAA’s investigation of Monday night’s ground incident will focus on operational protocols, equipment reliability, and crew coordination to prevent future occurrences.
This incident further underscores the importance of robust ground handling procedures. As the investigation progresses, findings will likely inform safety enhancements across the industry.