Two United Airlines Boeing 777 Aircraft Collide on the Ground at San Francisco International Airport, Prompting Immediate Passenger Evacuation and Flight Cancellations
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Tragedy Strikes as Two United Airlines Boeing 777s Collide at San Francisco International Airport, Involving Passengers and Crew from United Flight 877 and United Flight 863
In a deeply concerning incident that unfolded this morning at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), two United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft were involved in a collision on the ground, resulting in the cancellation of both flights and the immediate deplaning of all passengers. The affected flights, United Flight 877 and United Flight 863, were set for departure when the ground collision occurred. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, though the incident has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of airport ground operations.
The collision occurred during what is usually a routine procedure: the pushback of United Flight 877 from its gate. While this plane was being maneuvered, it made contact with a second Boeing 777, United Flight 863, which was taxiing nearby on the apron. This unexpected collision has resulted in significant damage to both aircraft and led to the swift cancellation of the flights. All passengers were safely evacuated from both planes, and ground crews worked quickly to secure the area and assess the situation.
The Impact of the Incident on the Passengers and Crew
As details of the collision emerge, the victims of the incident—passengers and crew members aboard both aircraft—are being identified and their safety is being prioritized. The flight crews of both United Flight 877 and United Flight 863, including the pilots and cabin crew, were unharmed in the collision. However, the passengers, who had been boarding the aircraft or had just settled into their seats, experienced moments of significant distress and confusion as a result of the incident.
At the time of the collision, United Flight 877 was preparing for a domestic flight to Denver, Colorado. The aircraft had been in the process of pushback from the gate when it collided with United Flight 863, which was taxiing for its scheduled international flight to London Heathrow. Both flights were grounded, and the passengers onboard were forced to disembark for safety reasons.
Passengers reported feeling sudden jolts and hearing loud noises as the collision took place. Fortunately, due to the low speed of the aircraft at the time, no injuries were sustained, though some passengers experienced minor bumps and bruises as a result of the sudden disruption. One passenger from United Flight 877, who wished to remain anonymous, described the situation as “chaotic and frightening” but acknowledged that the crew and airport staff handled the situation “professionally and with care.”
Details of the Collision: What We Know So Far
The collision occurred at approximately 9:00 AM local time when United Flight 877 was being pushed back from its gate at San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 3. The aircraft, a Boeing 777-200ER, had completed its boarding process and was about to depart for Denver. As the aircraft was being maneuvered by ground crews, the front of its fuselage made contact with the rear of United Flight 863, a Boeing 777-300ER, which was already taxiing on the apron for its scheduled international flight to London.
The impact was significant enough to cause visible damage to both aircraft. The fuselage of United Flight 877 sustained visible dents and scratches along its nose section, while United Flight 863 had substantial damage to its tail section and rear fuselage. Although the damage appeared to be limited to the external structure of the planes, it was enough to ground both aircraft for safety inspections.
Both airlines acted quickly, canceling the flights and ensuring that all passengers were safely deplaned. Several crew members reported the immediate response from United Airlines, which coordinated closely with airport ground personnel to ensure a swift and organized evacuation. Passengers were directed to a nearby terminal area, where they were given further instructions on how to proceed with alternative travel arrangements.
Safety Response and Immediate Actions
As soon as the collision occurred, airport ground crews initiated emergency protocols, including the evacuation of all passengers from the two affected aircraft. San Francisco International Airport’s emergency response team was quick to arrive on the scene, securing the area and directing all traffic away from the collision site. Emergency vehicles were stationed nearby in case of any further incidents or injuries, though none were reported.
Airport operations continued with minimal disruption. Although both flights were canceled, SFO remained fully operational, and no significant delays to other flights were reported at the time. Ground crews were able to quickly assess the situation, and airline representatives informed affected passengers of their options for rebooking or accommodations.
The FAA and NTSB were notified of the incident and immediately began their investigation into the cause of the collision. Investigators from both agencies arrived at the scene within hours, reviewing all available evidence and speaking with witnesses to determine the sequence of events that led to the crash. As of now, the cause of the collision remains unclear, though both the FAA and NTSB are focusing on potential factors such as communication errors, ground crew miscommunication, or mechanical failure.
The Role of United Airlines in the Aftermath
United Airlines, in response to the incident, issued an official statement apologizing to the passengers affected and ensuring that the airline is fully cooperating with the FAA and NTSB investigations. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew had been safely deplaned and that no injuries were reported. In the statement, United Airlines expressed its commitment to conducting a thorough review of the events leading to the collision, emphasizing that passenger safety remains its top priority.
United also confirmed that both aircraft will undergo detailed inspections and repairs before being cleared for future flights. It is expected that both flights—United 877 and United 863—will not resume their journeys today, and passengers will be rebooked on other flights to their intended destinations.
The airline has also offered full refunds or travel vouchers to all affected passengers and is working to provide compensation for any further inconvenience caused by the cancellation of their flights. Additionally, United has assured passengers that the airline will offer assistance with alternative travel arrangements, including booking on other airlines if necessary.
Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board Investigation
As part of the response to the ground collision, the FAA and the NTSB have launched separate investigations into the causes of the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that communication breakdowns between ground crews may have played a role, but the agencies are examining all potential causes, including equipment failure, human error, or procedural mishaps.
The NTSB’s investigative team has already begun reviewing flight data recorders, cockpit communication, and radar data to understand how the collision occurred. Interviews with ground crew members, pilots, and other personnel involved in the incident are expected to be a key part of the investigation. The findings from this investigation could lead to changes in how airport ground operations are conducted, especially for large aircraft like the Boeing 777.
Passenger Reactions and Concerns
While no injuries were reported, the passengers involved in the incident have expressed mixed reactions. Many have praised the quick and effective response of United Airlines, the FAA, and airport personnel, citing that the evacuation and rebooking process was relatively smooth given the circumstances.
However, some passengers expressed concern about the potential long-term effects of the incident. One passenger on United Flight 877, speaking to reporters at the airport, remarked, “It’s really unsettling to think that something like this could happen. It makes you question how safe things really are when we’re on the ground.” Despite these concerns, the lack of injuries has been a relief for many who were involved in the situation.
The Future of Ground Operations at San Francisco International Airport
As investigators continue to review the details of the collision, there may be increased scrutiny of airport ground operations across the country, particularly for large aircraft operating in busy terminals like San Francisco International Airport. With hundreds of planes moving on the ground at any given time, the coordination between flight crews, ground personnel, and air traffic controllers is critical to preventing similar incidents.
Given the attention this incident has garnered, it is likely that SFO, United Airlines, and other stakeholders in the aviation industry will look for ways to improve safety protocols for ground operations. Enhanced training for ground crews, better communication systems, and more rigorous safety checks could become part of the ongoing effort to improve airport safety and prevent future collisions.
Conclusion: A Close Call for United Airlines Passengers and Crew
While the collision of two United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft at San Francisco International Airport on May 6, 2025, resulted in significant damage to both planes, the fact that no injuries occurred is a testament to the effectiveness of safety protocols and the swift actions taken by ground crews and airline personnel. The investigation into the cause of the incident will undoubtedly provide further insights into how such collisions can be prevented in the future. Passengers and crew involved in the incident are fortunate to have emerged unharmed, and their safety remains the highest priority for all involved parties as they work to resolve the aftermath of this unsettling event.
