Photo: Rathke / iStock / Getty Images
A United Airlines pilot sustained injuries after an unidentified object shattered the windshield of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 at 36,000 feet, leading to an emergency landing on Thursday (October 16). The incident occurred on United Flight 1093, traveling from Denver to Los Angeles, which was carrying 134 passengers and six crew members. The plane safely landed in Salt Lake City.
The pilot suffered cuts and bruises from the shattered glass, which also covered the cockpit and dashboard. Photos circulating online show the pilot's arms bleeding, with scorch marks visible at the impact point. United Airlines confirmed the plane's safe landing and arranged for another aircraft to transport passengers to Los Angeles later that day.
The cause of the windshield damage remains unknown. Some experts speculate that space debris or a small meteorite might be responsible, given the unusual damage pattern. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that the likelihood of space debris causing injury to a commercial plane passenger is extremely low, at one-trillion-to-one. However, the scorch marks and broken glass suggest an external impact.
The aircraft was about 200 miles southeast of Salt Lake City when the damage was noticed, prompting the crew to divert and execute emergency procedures. United Airlines reported no passenger injuries and described the pilot's condition as minor bruising.
The plane remains grounded in Salt Lake City as the investigation continues. NASA is currently tracking over 25,000 pieces of space debris larger than four inches, highlighting ongoing concerns about space debris and its potential impact on aviation safety.