MIAMI- A United Airlines (UA) Boeing 737-900ER collided with a catering truck during towing operations at Miami International Airport (MIA) on Thursday morning (December 26, 2024), causing the truck to overturn.
The aircraft, bearing registration number N68453, sustained damage while being guided to its gate.
Photo: Natanael GomezUnited Airlines 737 Damaged
The scheduled flight to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) was subsequently canceled following the incident. Groundworkers and a passenger from another United flight witnessed the collision.
United Airlines confirmed that no passengers were on the aircraft during the incident. The company’s maintenance team launched a comprehensive inspection to assess potential damage.
The identity of the catering company and potential injuries to truck operators remain undisclosed. Photographic evidence from the scene shows the large catering vehicle lying on its side adjacent to the Boeing 737-900ER.
A United Airlines spokesperson issued an official statement to Simple Flying: “On Thursday morning, a United aircraft made contact with a catering vendor vehicle while being towed to a gate at Miami International Airport. The aircraft was not carrying any passengers and is undergoing a thorough inspection by our maintenance team.”
Photo: Charles | FlickrFlight Cancelled After Incident
A United Airlines Boeing 737-900ER’s collision with a catering truck at Miami International Airport triggered extensive flight disruptions and schedule modifications.
The incident gained attention when passengers aboard United Flight UA1359 from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) documented the overturned catering truck next to aircraft N68453.
FlightRadar24 data reveals United 737 landed in Miami on Wednesday at 14:09 as UA2295 from Newark, parking at gate H14. The aircraft’s extended ground time deviated from United’s typical Miami operations, which usually feature quick turnarounds due to Miami’s non-hub status.
The aircraft’s original assignment, flight UA2644 to Denver scheduled for 15:46, underwent significant modification. United Airlines deployed aircraft N75429 as a replacement, causing the flight to depart at 18:25 from gate H15, resulting in a two-hour delay. N75429 had arrived from Denver as UA1418 at 16:37.
This substitution created operational complications. N75429’s scheduled Newark flight UA1386, originally departing Wednesday at 17:25, transferred to N68453. The reassignment pushed the departure time to Thursday at 11:30, causing an 18-hour delay.
Aircraft N68453 underwent movement between its arrival and the Thursday morning incident, likely involving facility transfers. The airline attempted to position the aircraft at gate H14 for Newark flight UA1836, but the collision forced its cancellation.
United Airlines maintains a maintenance facility at Miami International Airport, explaining the potential extended ground time. The incident’s impact extended beyond immediate flight cancellations, affecting United’s network schedule and requiring multiple aircraft reassignments.
Photo: Andrew E. Cohen | FlickrSimilar Incidents
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900ER suffered wing damage at George Town Owen Roberts International Airport on February 9, 2024. Aircraft N846DN collided with a stairs truck during taxi procedures for flight DL1870 to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
The incident’s social media documentation sparked immediate attention to ground safety protocols. Delta implemented alternative arrangements for affected passengers while conducting damage assessments.
In a separate incident, an Air India Express Boeing 737 collided with a stationary truck at Surat International Airport on March 13, 2024, at 11:15 pm. The aircraft carried over 160 passengers on flight IX-172 from Sharjah.
The collision occurred post-landing as the aircraft approached its designated bay area. Airport officials confirmed the incident and initiated safety protocols immediately.
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