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Weather Balloon Launched From Spokane Collides with United Flight, Injures Pilot
Investigators report contact was lost with the weather balloon 10 minutes before it cracked the windshield, injuring the pilot and forcing a diversion to Salt Lake City.
- United Airlines flight UA1093's forward windshield cracked over Moab, Utah, forcing a diversion to Salt Lake City International Airport where it landed at 7:31 a.m. with 111 occupants unharmed.
- Launched on Oct. 15 from Spokane, the balloon traveled south through Oregon and Nevada before turning back into Utah, and WindBorne Systems Inc. reported losing contact at 6:36 a.m., about 10 minutes before impact.
- Before the crew could react, the object struck the first officer's forward windshield, shattering one side and showering both pilots with glass, though Boeing 737-8 windshields are certified to withstand a four-pound bird impact.
- The NTSB said the probe remains ongoing with United Airlines, Boeing, the FAA, and WindBorne Systems Inc. involved, and the damaged windshield has been sent for examination.
- Investigators warn that hazardous reentry fragments could reach 28,000 per year by 2035, and the Federal Aviation Administration 2023 report estimated a one trillion to one probability of fatal aircraft damage.
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In October weather balloon strike, United pilots were showered with glass, probe shows
WASHINGTON - Pilots of a United Airlines jet struck by an apparent weather balloon during an October 16 flight near Moab, Utah, were showered with glass before making an emergency landing, the National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
·Singapore
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United pilots showered with glass after object struck plane at 36,000 feet
WASHINGTON - The pilots on a United Airlines jet struck by an apparent weather balloon during an Oct 16 flight were showered with glass before making an emergency landing, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said on Thursday.
·Bangkok, Thailand
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left1Leaning Right2Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
11%
C 67%
R 22%
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