SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A dramatic ground collision involving two United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft took place at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), leading to the cancellation of both flights and the immediate deplaning of all passengers. The incident, which occurred on the morning of May 5, 2025, during routine ground operations, has raised important questions about safety protocols and the operational procedures at one of the busiest airports in the United States. United Airlines Flight 877 and United Airlines Flight 863 were involved in the collision, which resulted in visible damage to both aircraft. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the airport operations were not significantly disrupted. However, the collision has prompted a full investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will examine the causes and implications of the incident.

The Incident: A Detailed Timeline of the Collision

On the morning of May 5, 2025, during routine operations at San Francisco International Airport, two United Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft collided on the ground, resulting in damage to both planes. United Airlines Flight 877, which was undergoing pushback from its gate, made contact with United Airlines Flight 863, which was taxiing nearby.

The collision occurred in the vicinity of the taxiway, a critical area of the airport where aircraft maneuver to and from the runway. Pushback from a gate is a standard procedure performed by ground crews to move an aircraft away from the terminal and onto the taxiway, where it can then be guided toward the runway for takeoff. In this case, Flight 877, a Boeing 777, was in the process of being pushed back from its gate when it struck the second aircraft, Flight 863, which was already taxiing on the ground.

The force of the collision caused visible damage to both aircraft. The impact was not severe enough to cause any structural failure, but the damage was significant enough to ground both planes and force the cancellation of the flights. As a safety precaution, all passengers aboard both flights were safely deplaned, and no injuries were reported at the scene.

Although the collision was a significant incident, airport operations were not seriously affected. Ground crews, airline personnel, and emergency responders quickly secured the area and ensured that the damaged aircraft were safely removed from the active taxiways and gate areas. The incident occurred early in the morning, which likely minimized the disruption to other flights at the airport.

United Airlines Flight 877 and Flight 863: The Aircraft Involved

United Airlines Flight 877 and United Airlines Flight 863 were both Boeing 777 aircraft, which are among the most widely used long-haul planes in the airline industry. These aircraft are known for their size, capacity, and advanced technology, making them critical assets for international flights.

Flight 877 and Flight 863 were both scheduled for long-haul international destinations, with the exact locations not being disclosed at the time of the incident. The Boeing 777 is renowned for its wide-body design, which allows it to carry hundreds of passengers on long-distance routes. These aircraft are equipped with advanced systems designed to improve safety and operational efficiency, but accidents on the ground, such as this one, are still a concern for airline companies and regulatory bodies.

The collision between these two aircraft has sparked interest in the specific protocols and procedures involved in ground operations, including pushback procedures, taxiing guidelines, and the safety measures that should be in place to prevent such accidents. Investigators will likely examine the flight paths, ground crew communications, and the visibility of the taxiways to determine if human error, mechanical failure, or environmental factors played a role in the collision.

Ground Crew and Safety Protocols: A Closer Look

Ground operations at major international airports like San Francisco International are highly complex and require precise coordination between flight crews, ground crews, and air traffic control. The pushback process, where an aircraft is moved away from the gate, is usually performed by trained ground personnel who are in constant communication with the flight crew and the airport’s ground operations control. Typically, ground crews use a combination of verbal communication and visual cues to ensure the safe movement of aircraft on the ground.

In this case, the collision occurred when Flight 877, in the process of pushback, struck Flight 863, which was already taxiing. One potential factor in the collision could be miscommunication or a lack of coordination between the ground crew of the two aircraft. While pushback operations typically have visual aids, such as marshalling signals, the proximity of the two aircraft may have been a contributing factor.

Additionally, the design and layout of the taxiways at San Francisco International Airport could come under scrutiny during the investigation. While the airport is one of the busiest in the U.S. and is known for its efficiency, it is not immune to the challenges of managing large aircraft on the ground, especially during peak travel hours.

In the aftermath of the collision, officials from United Airlines and the FAA are likely reviewing the airport’s ground operations protocols to identify any potential gaps in communication, procedures, or safety measures. Airports worldwide are under constant pressure to maintain the highest levels of safety, but incidents like this remind aviation authorities of the importance of rigorous training, constant vigilance, and the ongoing review of safety procedures.

The Role of the FAA and NTSB: Investigating the Incident

Following the ground collision, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were notified and have launched full investigations into the incident. The FAA is responsible for regulating civil aviation and ensuring that safety standards are adhered to, while the NTSB is tasked with investigating accidents and determining their causes.

The investigation will likely focus on several key aspects of the incident:

• Ground operations protocols: The investigation will review the procedures followed during the pushback and taxiing of the aircraft. This will include examining the communication protocols between ground crews and flight crews, as well as assessing the effectiveness of the visual and audible signals used during the pushback process.
• Aircraft movement and positioning: Investigators will analyze the flight paths and movements of both aircraft during the incident to determine whether there were any issues with visibility, spatial awareness, or the proximity of the two planes during pushback and taxiing.
• Aircraft damage assessment: Both aircraft sustained visible damage in the collision, and investigators will evaluate the extent of this damage to determine how it occurred and whether any safety features or systems on the planes were compromised during the incident.
• Environmental and operational factors: Factors such as weather, visibility, and airport traffic density will be considered in the investigation to understand whether any external conditions contributed to the collision.

The findings from the investigation will provide valuable insights into the causes of the incident and whether changes to airport operations or safety procedures are needed. Additionally, the FAA and NTSB will work together to assess whether there are any broader implications for ground operations at other major airports.

United Airlines’ Response: Ensuring Passenger Safety

In the aftermath of the collision, United Airlines issued a statement expressing its deep regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline confirmed that both flights, United Flight 877 and United Flight 863, were canceled, and all passengers were safely deplaned. United Airlines also reassured passengers that safety remains the airline’s top priority, and that the airline would cooperate fully with authorities during the investigation.

The airline’s response underscores the importance of ensuring that safety is always prioritized, even in the face of operational disruptions. While the collision did not result in any injuries, the airline is likely taking additional steps to review its ground operations training and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

United Airlines also expressed its appreciation for the swift actions of the airport’s ground crews, emergency responders, and law enforcement personnel, who worked quickly to secure the area and assess the extent of the damage.

Impact on San Francisco International Airport Operations

Despite the severity of the collision, airport operations at San Francisco International Airport were not significantly disrupted. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, which likely minimized the impact on scheduled flights and airport traffic. Ground crews and airline personnel responded quickly to secure the area and ensure that the aircraft were safely removed from the taxiway and gate areas.

SFO is one of the busiest airports in the United States, handling thousands of flights and passengers daily. As such, maintaining smooth operations during emergencies is critical. While this incident did not cause major delays to other flights, the FAA and SFO management will likely take additional measures to assess airport protocols and ensure that safety procedures are maintained during high-traffic periods.

Public and Industry Reactions: Calls for Safety Improvements

The collision involving two United Airlines aircraft has sparked a wider discussion about airport safety, particularly in the context of ground operations. While rare, incidents like this highlight the vulnerabilities inherent in the busy operations of major airports. Safety experts have pointed out that even minor mistakes or miscommunications can have significant consequences, especially when large aircraft are involved.

In the days following the collision, members of the aviation community have called for a review of airport ground procedures, particularly the pushback and taxiing process. Industry experts argue that regular training, technological advancements, and stricter safety protocols can help mitigate risks associated with ground operations.

Conclusion: The Road to Recovery

The ground collision at San Francisco International Airport involving two United Airlines Boeing 777s serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often perilous nature of airport operations. While no injuries were reported and operations were quickly restored, the incident has prompted investigations into the causes and broader implications of such events.

For United Airlines, the FAA, and the NTSB, the focus will now shift to understanding what went wrong during the ground operation and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. As investigations continue, the aviation industry will undoubtedly learn valuable lessons that can enhance safety protocols and prevent future accidents.

In the meantime, passengers affected by the cancellation of United Flight 877 and United Flight 863 will likely experience some inconvenience, but their safety remains the top priority for the airline. As we await further updates, the hope is that this incident will lead to improved ground safety and more effective operational practices across the aviation industry.