Something from ‘space’ may have just struck a United Airlines flight over Utah

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation following an incident involving a United Airlines flight that was struck by an unidentified object while flying over Utah. The federal agency announced on social media that it is currently collecting radar data, weather information, and flight recorder details related to the event. The incident occurred during a flight from Denver to Los Angeles on Thursday, when a large object impacted the aircraft's windscreen. Photos circulating on social media depict significant damage to one of the front windows of the Boeing 737 MAX, showing extensive cracks. Additionally, images reveal that the pilot sustained multiple cuts to his arm, likely caused by shattered glass fragments. According to reports, the flight captain referred to the object that struck the plane as 'space debris,' although this claim has yet to be verified. After the impact, the crew promptly diverted the aircraft to Salt Lake City, where it landed safely. The damage was concentrated near the upper right portion of the window, which also affected the metal frame of the aircraft. Fortunately, the multiple layers of the aircraft’s windscreen, which include a laminate layer, prevented the pane from shattering completely. At the time of the incident, the plane was cruising at approximately 36,000 feet, with the cockpit maintaining cabin pressure throughout the ordeal.