A pilot for United Airlines had to conduct an emergency landing when an unknown object struck the aircraft’s windshield, causing injuries. The incident occurred during Flight 1093 from Denver to Los Angeles, which diverted to Salt Lake City, Utah, due to the Boeing 737’s windshield being shattered by the impact.
Images depicting the aftermath of the event revealed the pilot with blood and bruises on the arm, and the cockpit scattered with glass shards. The object appeared to have left scorch marks upon entering the windshield, leading to speculation on social media about it possibly being a meteor or space debris. The damage observed included severe cracking and destruction of the windshield.
According to reports from Simple Flying magazine, such damage is usually attributed to “foreign object debris” (FOD) but at lower altitudes. The incident occurred at 36,000 feet, a cruising altitude where debris encounters are rare. If confirmed as space debris, it would be the first recorded instance involving a commercial aircraft.
United Airlines did not disclose the cause of the incident but assured that the flight landed safely, with maintenance efforts underway to restore the aircraft. A replacement aircraft was arranged for passengers traveling to Los Angeles, while the affected plane, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration N17327, remained grounded post-incident.
This emergency landing incident followed another notable case involving a cracked windshield, where US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s aircraft made an unscheduled stop in the UK after a similar issue was detected. The safe landing at RAF Mildenhall was conducted according to standard procedures, ensuring the well-being of all passengers, including Secretary Hegseth.
In a social media post, Secretary Hegseth reassured followers of his safety, expressing gratitude and determination to continue the mission despite the unexpected landing.