A collision occurred at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Wednesday morning when an American Airlines aircraft struck the tail of a United Airlines plane. The incident took place around 9:50 AM as both aircraft were operating on different taxiways.
American Airlines flight AA1979, operated by a Boeing 737-800 registered N988NN, was taxiing for a departure to Los Angeles International Airport. At the same time, United Airlines flight UA219, operated by a Boeing 787-10 registered N16008, was taxiing for a departure to Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii.
Ground Collision Chicago O’Hare
During the taxi procedures, a wingtip of the American B737-800 reportedly came into contact with the tail of the United B787-10.
While the collision caused damage to both aircraft, no injuries were reported from either flight.
The FAA confirmed the ground incident in a statement. “American Airlines Flight 1979 struck the tail of United Airlines Flight 219 while the aircraft were taxiing on different taxiways. This occurred at Chicago O’Hare International Airport around 9:50 a.m. local time on Wednesday, Jan. 8.”
“The American Airlines Boeing 737-800 was heading to Los Angeles and the United Boeing 787 was heading to Honolulu. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airlines for further information.”
The affected flights were disembarked. 293 passengers and 10 crewmembers aboard United flight UA219 were transferred to a replacement aircraft for the scheduled flight.
American Airlines similarly mustered a replacement aircraft to conduct the onwards AA1979 service to Los Angeles. Both airlines subsequently inspected their respective aircraft following the ground event collision.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will now investigate the Chicago O’Hare ground incident.
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