San Francisco, Sept. 2, 2025 — Two United Airlines aircraft were involved in a ground collision at San Francisco International Airport late Monday night, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into what caused the incident.
At approximately 9:10 p.m. PDT on September 1, United Airlines flight UA1871, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 bound for Denver, struck another United aircraft while being pushed back from its gate. According to United, the plane’s wingtip hit the tail of United flight UA796, which was parked nearby and scheduled to depart for Boston. Both jets were taken out of service for inspection and repair.
The collision occurred in a non-controlled ramp area, where ground crews — not air traffic controllers — direct aircraft movements. No passengers or crew members were injured, and both flights were ultimately reassigned to alternate aircraft to limit disruption. Passengers were able to disembark normally and continue their travel with minimal delay.
FAA Probe Underway
The FAA confirmed that it has launched an investigation. A preliminary review suggests the tug’s towing bar, used to push back UA1871, may have malfunctioned. However, regulators cautioned that the cause has not been determined. The investigation will focus on equipment reliability, ground crew procedures, and overall ramp safety at one of the nation’s busiest airports.
United Airlines said in a statement that it is fully cooperating with authorities. “We are working closely with the FAA and other authorities to understand the circumstances of this incident,” the airline said.
The company added, “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.”
Second Incident in 24 Hours
The collision marked the second operational disruption involving United Airlines at San Francisco in less than a day. On Sunday, a different United flight returned to the airport shortly after takeoff due to a cabin odor. Though unrelated, the back-to-back incidents highlight the operational complexity of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which handled more than 50 million passengers in 2024.
The airport has seen other ground collisions in recent months. On May 6, two United Boeing 777-300ER jets clipped wingtips while one was being pushed back from a gate and the other was taxiing for departure. Both aircraft sustained minor damage, and no injuries were reported in that case either.
Operational and Financial Stakes
For airlines, ground collisions — though rare — can be costly. Repairs can sideline aircraft for days or weeks, while investigations often prompt reviews of ground-handling procedures. Delays also ripple through schedules, particularly at major hubs like SFO, where United is the dominant carrier.
Aviation analysts note that incidents like Monday’s place added scrutiny on ramp operations, where coordination between tug operators, ground marshals, and cockpit crews is critical. “Ground incidents don’t grab headlines like in-flight emergencies, but they can be just as disruptive to airline operations and just as concerning from a safety standpoint,” said one industry consultant.
The FAA’s findings will likely shape recommendations for United and potentially other carriers operating at congested airports. Regulators are expected to examine whether staffing levels, equipment maintenance, or procedural adherence played a role.
Broader Industry Context
Ground collisions are not unique to United or San Francisco. Industrywide, the FAA has highlighted ramp safety as an area for continuous improvement. With air travel volumes recovering to pre-pandemic levels, carriers are under pressure to manage higher traffic while maintaining strict safety protocols.
At San Francisco International Airport, construction projects and limited ramp space add to the challenges. Airport officials did not immediately comment on Monday’s incident but have previously emphasized investments in infrastructure and safety training for ground personnel.
Looking Ahead
As the FAA investigation continues, United is focused on repairing the damaged aircraft and ensuring operations return to normal. The airline did not disclose the extent of the damage or the anticipated timeline for repairs. Both aircraft will remain grounded until cleared by safety inspectors.
The collision underscores the risks inherent in ground operations and the importance of vigilant safety oversight. For travelers, the immediate impact was minimal, but for United and the aviation industry, the lessons drawn from the incident may prove lasting.
