Tail-to-tail trouble: Two United Airlines planes collide at San Francisco Airport; probe launched

Passengers at San Francisco International Airport got an unexpected jolt when two United Airlines planes clipped each other on the tarmac, forcing travelers to abandon their flights and continue their journeys on replacement aircraft, US Today reported.

Collision before takeoff The incident unfolded around 9:10 p.m. on September 1, when United Flight 1871, headed to Denver, backed away from the gate and struck the tail of another United jet, Flight 796, which was parked and preparing for departure to Boston.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson Steve Kulm confirmed the collision took place in an area where air traffic controllers typically do not guide aircraft, leaving the responsibility to ground crews and pilots.

Passengers stranded, planes sidelined Flight 1871 was towed back to the gate after the crash, where passengers deplaned. No injuries were reported, but the collision disrupted travel plans as both flights were taken out of service. United arranged alternate aircraft to complete the journeys.

“This occurred in an area where air traffic controllers do not communicate with flights,” Kulm said, underscoring the unusual nature of the mishap.

Damage and investigation Local TV station ABC7 reported visible damage to at least one wing, though neither United nor the FAA would confirm details about the extent.

The FAA has opened an investigation into the cause of the crash, which comes amid heightened scrutiny of airline safety and ground operations at major US airports.