High-Flying Collision: Balloon Blamed for Jet's Emergency Landing
A United Airlines jet's windshield cracked at 36,000 feet, believed to be caused by a weather balloon from WindBorne Systems. NTSB is investigating the incident, initially thought to involve space debris. The company is updating its balloons to minimize risks, working with the FAA towards improved safety measures.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating an incident where a weather balloon is suspected of causing damage to a United Airlines jet's windshield at 36,000 feet, resulting in an emergency landing.
WindBorne Systems has indicated that one of its balloons may have collided with United Flight 1093, a Boeing 737 MAX, last week over Utah. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated that while the company reported the incident, the board's investigation continues.
United Airlines managed a safe emergency landing in Salt Lake City, and passengers were later flown to Los Angeles. WindBorne is collaborating with the FAA to improve safety measures, including changes to balloon flight paths and new technology to avoid interception with aircraft.
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