Two United Airlines aircraft were involved in a ground collision at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on the afternoon of October 6, 2023. An arriving Boeing 737-700, carrying 113 passengers and five crew members, made contact with a parked Boeing 767 while taxiing to its gate. The wing of the 737 struck the horizontal stabilizer of the stationary 767, which was unoccupied.
The incident occurred shortly after the 737 completed a two-hour and 30-minute journey from Jackson Hole (JAC). Initial reports indicate that the impact was minor, with no injuries reported among passengers. However, the incident prompted a full inspection of both aircraft. While no major damage was found, the 737 remains grounded in Chicago following the mishap.
Details of the Incident
According to a statement from United Airlines, the collision took place during the taxiing process as flight UA2652 approached its arrival gate. Passengers on board reported feeling a slight shudder but did not perceive the collision as significant. One passenger, identified as Bill Marcus, noted that he did not feel the initial impact, but described some “shuddering” as the planes separated.
In response to the incident, United Airlines confirmed that passengers disembarked without complications, emphasizing that the other aircraft was stationary and had no passengers. The airline did not disclose the registration number of the Boeing 767 involved, leaving its condition unspecified.
Safety Concerns and Ground Incidents
The collision at O’Hare is part of a worrying trend of ground incidents involving commercial aircraft at major US airports. Earlier this month, a more serious incident occurred at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) when two regional Delta Air Lines jets collided at a taxiway intersection, resulting in injuries to a flight attendant. In addition, just a month prior, two United aircraft were involved in a minor collision at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
These incidents raise concerns about safety standards, particularly in light of ongoing air traffic controller shortages that have affected operations at busy airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working towards increasing staffing levels, but current numbers remain below target.
As one of the busiest airports in the United States, Chicago O’Hare presents a complex operational environment with eight active runways. The increase in ground collisions highlights the need for enhanced safety measures and effective management of air traffic to prevent future incidents.
