A pilot for United Airlines had to perform an emergency landing due to an unknown object striking the windshield of the aircraft, causing injuries to the pilot. The incident occurred on Flight 1093 traveling from Denver to Los Angeles, which was diverted to Salt Lake City, Utah, after the Boeing 737’s windshield was shattered.
Photos of the aftermath revealed the pilot with a bloody and bruised arm, and the cockpit littered with glass shards. The object that hit the windshield left visible scorch marks and extensive damage. Speculations on social media suggested it could have been a meteor or space debris.
Reports from Simple Flying magazine indicated that such damage is usually caused by foreign object debris (FOD) at lower altitudes, making this incident at 36,000 feet a rare occurrence. United Airlines did not disclose the cause of the incident but confirmed that the flight landed safely.
The damaged aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration N17327, remained grounded post-incident. This event follows another recent cracked windshield incident involving US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had to land in the UK due to similar damage during a flight from a NATO Defense Minister meeting in Belgium.
Government officials confirmed the safe landing of Secretary Hegseth’s plane at RAF Mildenhall, emphasizing that all onboard were unharmed. Secretary Hegseth reassured the public through social media, expressing gratitude for everyone’s safety and affirming the mission’s continuation.