Context:

Two United Airlines planes experienced a wingtip collision at San Francisco International Airport while preparing to depart, marking the second such incident in the U.S. within a month. United Flight 863 to Sydney and United Flight 877 to Hong Kong were involved, with no injuries reported and all passengers disembarking safely. This incident occurred in a location where air traffic controllers do not communicate with flight crews, and United Airlines is rebooking affected passengers. The FAA is also investigating a similar event that took place in April at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where two American Airlines regional jets clipped wings, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. These incidents add to a series of recent aviation safety issues, including a fatal mid-air collision and a dangerous military flyover, prompting federal investigations into air traffic control communications failures.

Dive Deeper:

• Two United Airlines flights at San Francisco International Airport clipped wings while preparing for departure, with no injuries reported and passengers deplaning normally.

• The collision between United Flight 863 to Sydney and United Flight 877 to Hong Kong occurred in an area without direct communication from air traffic controllers, raising safety concerns.

• United Airlines responded by rebooking affected passengers on alternative flights, ensuring minimal disruption to their travel plans.

• The incident mirrors a previous event at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport involving American Airlines jets, occurring amidst a period of heightened aviation safety scrutiny.

• The FAA is investigating these incidents as part of a broader examination of air traffic control communication protocols and recent aviation safety lapses in the U.S.

• April's incident at Washington National Airport involved two American Airlines regional jets, one carrying members of Congress, further increasing scrutiny on airline safety.

• Recent aviation issues include a fatal mid-air collision and a military flyover incident, both contributing to ongoing federal investigations into potential communication breakdowns in air traffic control.