Terrifying Mystery Object Collides with United Flight at 36000 Feet Passenger Shares Harrowing Experience

A United Airlines flight experienced a frightening incident when an unidentified object collided with its cockpit windshield. This event occurred at 36,000 feet near Moab, Utah, during a journey from Denver to Los Angeles on Thursday morning.
Details of the Incident
United Flight 1093, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was carrying 134 passengers and six crew members when the impact took place. The collision resulted in a cracked layer of the aircraft’s multilayered windshield, injuring the pilot, who sustained scratches and bruises.
Passenger Heather Ramsey, who recorded the sunrise at the time, described the chaos that ensued. A flight attendant’s urgent commands to cease service added to the tension in the cabin. Moments later, the pilot announced the unfortunate news of the aircraft’s collision, prompting a rapid descent of 10,000 feet towards Salt Lake City International Airport.
Passenger Experience
- Ramsey shared her fear, stating, “I was just looking out the window thinking, ‘We could go down at any time.’”
- She noted the palpable tension among passengers, who were anxiously holding their breath throughout the ordeal.
- A photo taken during this event went viral, displaying both the cracked windshield and the pilot’s injured arm.
United Airlines’ Response
United Airlines confirmed that Flight 1093 landed safely in Salt Lake City. The airline arranged for another aircraft to transport the passengers to Los Angeles later that day. In a statement, United emphasized that even with one layer of the windshield damaged, the safety mechanisms were effective. Passengers deplaned without injuries and were later rebooked, arriving in Los Angeles approximately six hours later.
NTSB Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the cracked windshield incident. They are collecting relevant data, including radar and flight recorder information. The damaged windshield will be examined in NTSB laboratories to determine the cause of the collision.
The Mystery Object
The object that struck the aircraft remains unidentified. Speculations range from birds to possible space debris or drones. Despite the various theories, the Federal Aviation Administration has noted that no commercial airliner has previously been hit by space debris, with the likelihood being incredibly low.
Pilot’s Composure Praised
Throughout the incident, the pilot maintained composure and performed a safe landing. Passengers, including Ramsey, commended the pilot for his excellent handling of the situation. “He did a phenomenal job,” she remarked, showing gratitude for the pilot’s professionalism during the crisis.
The damaged Boeing 737 MAX 8 is currently grounded in Salt Lake City while United Airlines conducts necessary inspections. The ongoing investigation aims to provide insights into this extraordinary high-altitude incident.