A ground collision involving two United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft occurred at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), prompting swift safety measures, including the immediate cancellation of both affected flights and the safe deplaning of all passengers on board. The incident unfolded during a period of routine ground operations and has since drawn the attention of aviation authorities and airline safety officials.
According to preliminary reports, the collision took place when one of the aircraft, designated as United Flight 877, was undergoing pushback from its departure gate. During this maneuver—a standard procedure to reposition aircraft from the terminal using a tow vehicle—the aircraft made unintended contact with another Boeing 777, identified as United Flight 863, which was taxiing nearby on the tarmac.
The precise sequence of events that led to the collision remains under investigation, but airport witnesses and ground personnel confirmed that the contact resulted in visible damage to both wide-body aircraft. The nature and extent of the damage have not yet been publicly disclosed, but it was sufficient to warrant immediate grounding of both jets.
As a precautionary measure and in accordance with airline and federal safety protocols, both flights were canceled, and emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene. All passengers were safely deplaned, and no injuries have been reported among passengers or crew members. Airport operations were momentarily impacted, but officials confirmed that there were no significant delays beyond the area of the incident.
United Airlines issued a statement shortly after the event, acknowledging the collision and affirming their commitment to safety. “We are cooperating fully with the FAA and NTSB as they conduct a thorough investigation,” a spokesperson said. “The safety of our customers and employees remains our highest priority.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both been notified and are expected to launch a joint investigation to determine the root cause of the incident. Investigators will likely review ground control communications, aircraft black box data, crew actions, and the coordination between the ground handling team and air traffic controllers.
While aircraft collisions on the ground are rare, they serve as stark reminders of the complexity and precision required in airport operations. San Francisco International Airport, one of the busiest hubs on the West Coast, handles hundreds of flights daily, and the airport’s taxiways and gates are tightly coordinated to ensure smooth and safe movement of aircraft.
Passengers affected by the cancellations have been rebooked on alternate flights, and United has pledged to provide additional support, including accommodations and rebooking assistance where necessary.
Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. Travelers through SFO are advised to check with their airlines for the latest information regarding potential flight changes or disruptions.
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