A United Express regional jet pilot initiated an emergency go-around at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on January 29, 2026, claiming a United 777’s tail obstructed the runway. The incident triggered a terse exchange with air traffic control (ATC), as the controller immediately disputed the pilot’s assessment.
Incident Details
The SkyWest-operated Bombardier CRJ-700 (flight UA5899 from Reno) was nearing landing when the crew executed a go-around, a standard safety maneuver. When questioned by ATC about the reason, the pilot reported the 777-200ER’s tail had encroached past the runway hold-short line on 28L. This meant the aircraft was too far forward on the runway for a safe landing.
ATC sharply replied, stating the 777 was not obstructing the runway and thanked the pilot for the “report.” The CRJ-700 circled back and landed safely at 12:22 PM after a total flight time of 67 minutes.
Why This Matters
Runway incursions, where aircraft, vehicles, or obstructions are on the active runway, are among the most dangerous aviation risks. ATC and pilots rely on accurate assessments of runway conditions to prevent collisions. This incident highlights the tension between pilot perception and ATC’s oversight, which may derive from different vantage points.
The exchange is unusual because both parties were direct in their claims. Pilots are trained to prioritize safety, so initiating a go-around based on perceived risk is correct procedure. However, ATC’s immediate dismissal suggests confidence in their own view of the situation.
A “He Said, He Said” Scenario
Without additional evidence, it’s impossible to determine definitively whether the pilot or the controller was correct. The pilot had no apparent reason to invent a runway obstruction, while ATC likely responded based on what they observed. This leaves the incident as an unresolved disagreement between two parties responsible for aviation safety.
This case underscores the critical importance of clear communication, situational awareness, and precise judgment in air traffic management. The incident also raises the question of whether ATC should defer to pilot assessments when safety is concerned.
Ultimately, the pilot’s decision to go around was a conservative one, prioritizing safety. Whether the perceived obstruction was real or not, the outcome was a safe landing, and that’s the priority.
