20.10.2025 23:42
Terrifying moments occurred in the skies over the United States. A United Airlines flight from Denver to Los Angeles was struck by a meteor at an altitude of 36,000 feet. As a result of the impact, the cockpit window cracked, and the pilot was injured. The plane made an emergency landing, and an investigation into the incident has been initiated.
Passengers on a United Airlines flight taking off from Denver, USA, to Los Angeles experienced great panic. While the plane was at an altitude of 36,000 feet, an unidentified object struck the aircraft's windshield. As a result of the collision, the cockpit glass cracked, and one of the pilots was injured on the arm.
PILOT ANNOUNCES "METEOR STRUCK"
After the unexpected incident, the pilot announced to the passengers, "A meteor struck our plane." The flight crew quickly activated emergency procedures and headed to the nearest airport, Salt Lake City. After a tense wait of about 15 minutes, the plane landed safely.
"EVERYONE WAS SILENT, ONLY BREATHS WERE HEARD"
One of the passengers, recounting the terrifying moments to a TV channel, said, "I looked out the window and thought, 'We could fall at any moment.' Everyone was silent; only breaths could be heard. You could clearly feel the tension." A photo that quickly went viral on social media shows the cracked cockpit glass, scattered glass pieces, and the injured arm of the pilot.
GLASS SENT TO LAB FOR ANALYSIS
Following the landing, teams from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) were dispatched to the scene. Experts determined that the impact occurred with great force on the upper right corner of the glass and caused significant deformation to the metal frame. The NTSB began reviewing radar data, flight recorder (black box) information, and weather reports as part of the investigation. Additionally, the aircraft's windshield was sent to the laboratory for detailed analysis.
CLARITY WILL COME AFTER TECHNICAL EXAMINATION
Authorities stated that it will become clear whether the object that struck the plane was a meteor or another object after the completion of the technical examination.
ONE IN A TRILLION CHANCE
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration had previously determined the likelihood of space debris striking a commercial airline and causing serious injuries to be one in a trillion.