United Flight Hits Mystery Object at 36,000 Feet, Pilot Injured in Emergency Landing

A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight from Denver to Los Angeles encountered a frightening incident when an unidentified object struck its cockpit windshield at 36,000 feet near Moab, Utah, causing a crack in one layer and injuring the pilot. The impact forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Salt Lake City, where all 134 passengers and six crew members deplaned safely and were later rebooked to continue their journey. Passengers described tense moments aboard the aircraft, with flight attendants halting service and the pilot announcing the collision over the intercom as the plane rapidly descended 10,000 feet. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation, collecting radar and flight data, and will analyze the damaged windshield to determine the cause, while the object that struck the plane remains unidentified, with speculation ranging from space debris to other possibilities. United Airlines emphasized that the multilayered windshield is designed to maintain safety even if one layer is damaged, highlighting the aircraft's robust safety features. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about potential hazards at cruising altitudes and the effectiveness of aviation safety protocols.