It happens in a split second. You’re sitting by the window, scrolling through your phone while the plane pushes back from the gate, and then—crunch. The jolt isn't massive, but the sound is unmistakable. Everyone freezes. You look out and see it: your wingtip is tangled with the tail of the plane parked next door.
Ground collisions aren't exactly what people imagine when they think of "aviation incidents." We usually think of engines flaring out or mid-air turbulence. But lately, United Airlines planes clip wings with a frequency that has travelers checking the tarmac twice. It feels like every few months, a social media video goes viral showing two multi-million dollar jets performing an awkward, expensive dance in a cramped apron space.
Is it a crisis? Probably not. Is it annoying, expensive, and a logistical nightmare for the 200 people who just lost their connection? Absolutely.
The Physics of a Tarmac Fender Bender
The wingspan of a Boeing 737-800 is roughly 117 feet. A Boeing 777-300ER stretches out to nearly 213 feet. Now, picture trying to parallel park a vehicle that wide in a space designed decades ago for much smaller aircraft. That is the daily reality at hubs like Newark (EWR) or San Francisco (SFO).
Most people think pilots are steering the plane during pushback. They aren't. When United Airlines planes clip wings, it’s usually happening while the aircraft is under the control of a tug driver—a ground crew member operating a heavy-duty vehicle designed to move the jet backward. The pilots are in the cockpit, yes, but their visibility of the wingtips is virtually zero. They rely entirely on "wing walkers," the folks you see with the orange wands.
If a wing walker gets distracted or a tug driver misjudges the "swing" of the nose, that massive wingtip becomes a lever. Even at three miles per hour, the kinetic energy of a 150,000-pound machine is enough to shred aluminum like a soda can.
Why Newark and Boston Keep Seeing This
In early 2024, a United 737 MAX bumped into a parked United 757 at Newark Liberty International Airport. Just a year prior, two United jets clipped wings at Boston Logan. There is a pattern here, but it isn't necessarily a "United" problem so much as it is a "congested hub" problem.
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Newark is notorious. It’s one of the most tightly packed airports in the United States. When United operates a "mega-hub," they try to squeeze as many flights as possible into narrow windows to maximize connections. This means more planes moving in smaller spaces at the exact same time.
Ground crews are under immense pressure to keep "Turn Time" low. If a plane is late arriving, the pressure to push back on time to save the departure slot is massive. Speed leads to mistakes. A few inches of clearance is often all that separates a successful departure from a four-hour maintenance delay.
The Financial Fallout of a "Minor" Clip
You might think a dented wingtip is a quick fix. It isn't. Aviation maintenance is a world of extreme "over-caution," for very good reason.
When United Airlines planes clip wings, the aircraft is immediately grounded. It doesn't matter if it looks like a scratch. Structural engineers have to inspect the "spar"—the main structural spine of the wing. If the impact transferred enough force to tweak the internal skeleton of the wing, the plane is a multi-month repair project.
- The Scimitar Winglets: Most modern United jets use "Split Scimitar" winglets. These carbon-fiber tips improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag. They also cost upwards of $500,000 per pair.
- The Passenger Cost: If a wing clip happens at a hub, United has to find a "spare" aircraft. If the flight is full, they’re rebooking 180 people, paying for hotel vouchers, and issuing "Future Flight Credits."
- The FAA Factor: Every one of these incidents triggers an internal investigation and often an FAA report.
Honestly, the paperwork alone costs more than the physical repair.
Are Pilots or Ground Crews to Blame?
It’s easy to point fingers at the guy with the wands. But the reality is more nuanced. Sometimes, the "gate lead" is managing three different tasks at once. Sometimes, the taxiway markings are faded or confusing.
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In some of the United incidents, the "clipped" plane was actually parked correctly, but the passing plane was taxiing on a line that didn't provide enough wingtip clearance for its specific aircraft type. Heavy jets (like the 777 or 787) require wider taxi lanes than narrow-body 737s. If a controller puts a "heavy" on a "narrow" taxiway, things get tight fast.
United has been working on "automated tug" technology and enhanced camera systems to give ground crews better spatial awareness. But for now, it still comes down to human eyeballs and a lot of shouting over the roar of jet engines.
What Happens to the Crew?
In the airline world, a wing clip is a "non-punitive" reporting event—usually. Under programs like ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program), if a crew member reports an honest mistake, they aren't fired. Instead, the data is used to change training.
If it was a case of gross negligence—like a wing walker looking at their phone—that’s a different story. But most of the time, it’s a failure of the "system," not just one person.
The "New Normal" of Airport Congestion
We are flying more than ever. 2024 and 2025 have seen record-breaking passenger numbers. To keep up, airlines are using "upgauging"—replacing small planes with bigger ones.
The problem? The airports aren't getting any bigger.
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The gates at SFO or ORD were often laid out in the 70s and 80s. A gate that used to hold a tiny DC-9 is now being asked to hold a 737 MAX 9 with massive winglets. It’s like trying to fit a modern SUV into a garage built for a Model T.
When United Airlines planes clip wings, it's often a symptom of this physical limitation. There is literally no room left to wiggle.
What You Should Do if Your Plane Clips a Wing
First, don't panic. You aren't in danger. These incidents happen at low speeds on the ground. The worst thing that’s going to happen is you’ll be late for your sister's wedding or a business meeting.
If you feel a bump and see the wing hit something:
- Stay Seated: The pilots will likely stop the plane immediately and set the parking brake.
- Document (Quietly): If you have a clear view of the damage, a photo can actually help maintenance crews later, but don't interfere with the flight attendants.
- Check the App: United’s mobile app is actually pretty good at updating you on "Aircraft Swaps." Usually, the system knows the plane is grounded before the pilot even makes the announcement.
- Know Your Rights: If you are delayed more than a few hours due to a "mechanical" issue (which this is), United is generally required to provide meal vouchers. If you’re stuck overnight, they should provide a hotel.
The Myth of the "Unsafe" Airline
Is United less safe because of these clips? No. In fact, the "Big Three" (United, Delta, American) all deal with this. United just happens to have several high-traffic hubs in some of the most congested airspace in the world.
Statistically, you are still significantly safer in a United 737—even one that just bumped a fence—than you are in the Uber ride to the airport.
These incidents are high-visibility because they look dramatic in photos. A crumpled wingtip is "linkbait." But in the grand scheme of aviation safety, it’s a minor fender bender in a very busy parking lot.
Actionable Steps for the Frequent Flyer
- Book the "Long" Connection: If you are flying through Newark or Chicago, don't book a 40-minute connection. One minor tarmac delay—whether it’s a wing clip or just a clogged taxiway—will ruin your day. Aim for 90 minutes.
- Keep the App Live: Ensure your United app notifications are turned on. In the event of a wing clip, the first people to get on the "spare" plane are the ones who rebooked themselves in the app while everyone else was still waiting to deplane.
- Carry-On is King: If your plane clips a wing and you have to switch aircraft, your checked bag might not make the jump with you. If you have your essentials in a carry-on, you can pivot to a different flight or even a different airline much faster.
- Monitor "Aircraft Type": If you see you’re on a "Heavy" (like a 777 or 767) flying a short domestic route, be aware that these planes are the most likely to have clearance issues at smaller gates.
The reality is that United Airlines planes clip wings because the system is stretched to its limit. Until airports undergo massive structural renovations to widen taxiways and gate areas, these "metal-on-metal" moments will remain an occasional, albeit frustrating, part of modern air travel. Pay attention out the window during pushback—you might just see the "crunch" before the pilot feels it.