Incident Overview
On October 16, 2025, at 0643 mountain daylight time, United Airlines flight 1093, a Boeing 737-8 (registration N17327), was in cruise flight at flight level 360 (approximately 36,000 ft) near Moab, Utah, when it collided with an object. The scheduled domestic passenger flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 121 from Denver International Airport, Colorado, to Los Angeles International Airport, California. Following the impact, the flight diverted to Salt Lake City International Airport, Utah.
Flight Crew Actions
The captain reported noticing an object on the horizon before a significant impact occurred at the first officer's forward windshield, accompanied by a loud bang. Both pilots were showered with glass fragments. The captain sustained multiple superficial lacerations to his right arm; the first officer was uninjured. The crew coordinated with air traffic control and initiated a descent. Cabin pressurization remained stable. The captain transferred control to the first officer while running checklists and communicating with dispatch and flight attendants. The first officer's window overheat light illuminated and was addressed per checklist. After coordination, Salt Lake City was selected as the diversion airport. The captain cleaned and bandaged his wounds. He resumed pilot flying duties for an ILS approach to runway 16L at Salt Lake City, which was uneventful. The aircraft taxied to the gate under its own power, escorted by emergency vehicles. Emergency medical personnel provided first aid to the captain. No other injuries were reported.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened an investigation. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were sent to the NTSB Vehicle Recorder Laboratory. Preliminary data indicated that at the time of collision, the airplane was tracking southwest at 233° magnetic, pressure altitude 36,002 ft, groundspeed 395 knots. The NTSB requested data on weather balloons, other aircraft, and potential reentry objects in the area.
Balloon Details
WindBorne Systems Inc. reported losing contact with one of their global sounding balloons (GSBs) that was in the vicinity. The GSB was launched from Spokane, Washington, at 1129 MDT on October 15, 2025. It traveled south through Washington, Oregon, and Nevada, then turned northeast over Utah. A Notice to Airman (GEG 10/068) was issued for balloon launch operations at Spokane, expiring October 15, 2025, before the accident time. The GSB stopped communicating between 0636:16 and 0643:36 MDT on October 16. Its last reported position was latitude 38.53142°N, longitude 109.41600°W, pressure altitude 35,936 ft (oscillating between 35,800–36,200 ft), and wind 73 knots from the southwest. The GSB is a lightweight, long-duration high-altitude weather balloon operating under 14 CFR Part 101, designed to minimize harm with no large metal or high-stiffness elements.
Windshield Examination
The damaged windshield (P/N 29-5612-9-9008, S/N 23089H0823) was removed and sent to the NTSB Materials Lab. It consisted of multiple layers: thermally tempered glass, conductive heating film, urethane and vinyl interlayers, and a stainless-steel z-bar. Windshields are certified to withstand a four-pound bird impact without penetration.
Ongoing Investigation
The NTSB invited parties including the FAA, WindBorne, Boeing, and United Airlines. Specialists in cockpit voice recorder, flight data recorder, materials, meteorology, aircraft performance, operations, and air traffic control were assigned. The investigation continues.