World · North America · 15 hrs ago
United 757 Lands Safely After Mayday Call at San Francisco
United flight UA1023 went around during its landing approach at San Francisco International Airport on Friday, October 30.
The Boeing 757 was flying from Boston, and air traffic control had warned its crew about wake turbulence and a slight tailwind.
The crew later said the approach was unstable, but it is unclear whether the wind or turbulence contributed.
The crew radioed “Mayday” for a fuel emergency and reported 5,200 pounds of fuel remaining.
The plane landed safely on its second attempt about 14 minutes after the first, with no injuries reported among the 91 passengers and six crew members.
United says the crew did not declare an emergency, despite the recorded Mayday call; the disagreement is unresolved.
A Mayday tells controllers that a plane needs immediate assistance and can lead them to prioritize its landing, but it does not by itself mean the aircraft is about to run out of fuel.
A United Airlines Boeing 757 landed safely at San Francisco International Airport after aborting its first landing attempt and radioing a Mayday fuel emergency.
The aircraft was operating flight UA1023 from Boston and landed on its second approach to Runway 28R.
The crew reported 5,200 pounds of fuel remaining after the go-around.
No injuries were reported.
United said the crew did not declare an emergency, although air traffic control audio includes the crew saying “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, fuel emergency.”
- Who
- The crew of United Airlines flight UA1023, a Boeing 757-200 carrying 91 passengers and six crew members.
- What
- The aircraft went around during its first landing attempt, radioed a Mayday fuel emergency, and landed safely on its second attempt.
- When
- Friday, October 30, 2026. The first landing attempt was at 11:11 a.m. local time and the aircraft landed at 11:24 a.m.
- Where
- San Francisco International Airport, California, on Runway 28R.
- Why
- The crew said the approach was unstable. The reason for the reported fuel emergency was low fuel; the sources do not establish whether wind or wake turbulence contributed to the go-around.
United Airlines
Recorded crew transmission
Emergency declaration
United Airlines
United’s spokesperson said the crew did not declare an emergency.
Recorded crew transmission
The recording includes the crew saying “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, fuel emergency.
United flight 1854 declared an emergency after its right main landing gear failed to extend, according to the reports.
UA1023 attempted to land on Runway 28R but went around because of an unstable approach.
After the go-around, the crew reported 5,200 pounds of fuel remaining and radioed a Mayday fuel emergency.
UA1023 landed safely on Runway 28R on its second attempt, about 13 to 14 minutes after the first attempt.
- Flight
- United Airlines UA1023
- Aircraft
- Boeing 757-200, registration N19117
- Route
- Boston Logan International Airport to San Francisco International Airport
- Passengers and crew
- 91 passengers and six crew members
- Reported fuel
- 5,200 pounds after the go-around
- Landing
- Runway 28R at 11:24 a.m. local time on October 30, 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
the crew did not declare an emergency
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, fuel emergency