Aircraft Tail Damaged in Close Call at O’Hare as United Plane Nears Another Plane on Taxiway

United Airlines Planes Involved in Ground Collision at O’Hare Airport

Chicago, Illinois – October 18, 2025 – A United Airlines aircraft narrowly avoided a more serious incident Friday when it came into contact with another of the airline’s planes at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The incident occurred as one plane was maneuvering toward its gate.

What Happened During The Collision?

According to reports, Flight 2652, arriving from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with 113 passengers aboard, was approaching the gate when its wing clipped the tail section of a stationary United Airlines jet. Officials confirmed the second aircraft was not in motion at the time of the impact. Passengers disembarked the Wyoming flight with a delay of approximately 40 minutes while crews assessed the damage and documented the occurrence.

Passenger Bill Marcus, who was on the arriving flight from Wyoming, described being unaware of the collision initially. “I was shocked that I didn’t feel something more,” Marcus told CBS News Chicago. “Although when they separated the planes ther was some shuddering.”

Recent Aviation Safety Concerns

This ground collision comes amid heightened scrutiny of aviation safety following a series of incidents over the past several months. A devastating plane crash earlier this year, involving an army helicopter and an airliner near washington D.C., marked the deadliest aviation incident in the United States in decades. furthermore, just earlier in October, a similar runway collision occurred at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, where two Delta air Lines regional jets struck each other, leading to injuries for a flight attendant.

Date	Location	Airlines Involved	Incident Type
october 18, 2025	Chicago O’Hare Airport	united Airlines	Ground Collision (Wing-to-Tail)
October 2025	LaGuardia Airport, New York	Delta Air Lines	Runway Collision
January 2025	washington D.C.	Army Helicopter & Airliner	Mid-Air Collision

Did You Know? The Federal aviation Management (FAA) recorded a important increase in near-miss incidents at U.S. airports in 2023, prompting calls for increased safety measures and investigations into potential contributing factors.

Implications for Air Travel

While no injuries were reported in the O’Hare incident, these recent events are likely to fuel concerns among passengers and industry professionals alike. Experts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations to determine the causes of these collisions and to implement preventative measures. These measures frequently enough include enhanced interaction protocols between air traffic control and flight crews, as well as improved ground operations procedures.

Pro Tip: Before your next flight, check your airline’s website or app for real-time flight status updates and any advisories related to potential delays or disruptions.

Aviation Safety: A continuously Evolving Landscape

Maintaining safety in the aviation industry requires constant vigilance and adaptation. Ground collisions, while relatively rare, represent a serious risk. Airports and airlines are continually investing in technologies and training to mitigate these risks. Advancements in radar systems, improved runway lighting, and enhanced air traffic control procedures all play a role in enhancing safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Airport Collisions

• What causes airport collisions? airport collisions can occur due to a variety of factors, including communication errors, pilot error, adverse whether conditions, and ground traffic congestion.
• Are runway collisions becoming more common? While overall air travel is increasing, there has been a noticeable uptick in reported near-miss and runway collision incidents in recent years.
• What measures are being taken to prevent collisions? Airports and airlines are implementing enhanced training,improved communication protocols,and upgraded technologies to minimize the risk of collisions.
• what is the role of air traffic control in preventing collisions? Air traffic control plays a crucial role in maintaining safe separation between aircraft on the ground and in the air.
• What should passengers do if they witness an incident? Passengers should remain calm, follow the instructions of the flight crew, and report any observations to the authorities if requested.

What are your thoughts on the recent increase in aviation safety concerns? Share your comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family.

What specific ATC communication protocols are being reviewed as potential contributing factors in the O’Hare near miss?

Incident Overview: O’hare Airport Near Miss

On October 18,2025,a united Airlines aircraft experienced a close call at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD),resulting in damage to the tail section. The incident occurred while the plane was taxiing, narrowly avoiding a collision with another aircraft. Preliminary reports indicate the United flight was maneuvering on a taxiway when its tail came into proximity with another plane, causing structural damage. This event highlights the complexities of airport operations,air traffic control,and the critical importance of aviation safety.

Details of the Incident

* Date: October 18, 2025

* Location: O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, Illinois

* Airlines Involved: United Airlines (primary incident aircraft), details of the second aircraft are still emerging.

* Nature of Incident: Tail strike during taxiing, resulting in damage to the United Airlines aircraft.

* Initial Reports: The incident involved a near collision on a taxiway, with the United plane’s tail section sustaining damage. No injuries to passengers or crew have been reported at this time.

* Flight Status: The affected United flight has been delayed for repairs and inquiry.

Contributing Factors & Potential Causes

Several factors could have contributed to this near miss. Investigations are underway by the FAA and NTSB, but potential causes being examined include:

* air Traffic Control (ATC) Communication: miscommunication or ambiguity in instructions from ATC to the pilots.

* Taxiway Congestion: O’Hare is a notoriously busy airport, and high traffic volume on taxiways can increase the risk of incidents.

* Pilot error: Potential misjudgment of distance or failure to adhere to taxiing procedures.

* Visibility Issues: While weather conditions were reported as clear at the time, reduced visibility due to airport infrastructure or other aircraft could have played a role.

* Ground Crew Coordination: Issues with ground crew movements or signaling.

* aircraft Maintenance: Though less likely, a mechanical issue affecting steering or braking could be considered.

FAA and NTSB Investigation

The Federal Aviation Management (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation into the incident. The investigation will likely focus on:

1. Reviewing ATC recordings: Analyzing communication between air traffic controllers and the pilots of both aircraft.
2. Examining flight data recorders (FDR): Retrieving data from the “black boxes” to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident.
3. Interviewing personnel: Speaking with pilots, air traffic controllers, ground crew, and witnesses.
4. Inspecting the damaged aircraft: Assessing the extent of the damage and determining the cause of the tail strike.
5. Analyzing airport surveillance data: Reviewing radar and camera footage to understand the aircraft’s movements.

The NTSB’s final report, typically released months after the incident, will provide a detailed analysis of the cause and contributing factors, along with safety recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in the future. this process is crucial for aviation safety improvements.

Impact on Airport Operations

The incident caused temporary disruptions to operations at O’Hare Airport. while the airport remained open, delays were reported for both departing and arriving flights. The affected taxiway was temporarily closed for inspection and cleanup. Passengers experienced flight delays and potential travel disruptions. Airlines worked to re-accommodate passengers on alternative flights.

Similar Incidents & Historical Context

O’Hare Airport has experienced similar incidents in the past,highlighting the challenges of maintaining safety in a high-volume air traffic habitat.

* 2014 United Airlines Incident: A United Airlines Boeing 777’s winglet struck the tail of a smaller aircraft while taxiing at O’Hare.

* 2016 American Airlines Incident: An American Airlines Boeing 767 and a SkyWest Airlines Embraer 175 came within 20 feet of each other on a taxiway.

These past incidents underscore the need for continuous improvements in airport safety protocols, ATC procedures, and pilot training.

Aviation Safety Measures & Best Practices

Several measures are in place to mitigate the risk of similar incidents:

* Ground Radar Systems: Advanced radar systems track aircraft movements on the ground, providing controllers with real-time situational awareness.

* Taxiway Lighting & Markings: Clear and consistent taxiway lighting and markings guide pilots and ground crew.

* Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE-X): ASDE-X provides controllers with a comprehensive view of airport surface traffic, even in low visibility conditions.

* Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS): While primarily used in flight, TCAS can provide alerts during taxiing in certain situations.

* Enhanced Pilot Training: Regular training and simulations for pilots to reinforce taxiing procedures and situational awareness.

* Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Strict adherence to SOPs for both pilots and ground crew.

* Regular Airport Inspections: Routine inspections of taxiways