Mystery object that smashed into United Airlines jet identified as…. – Firstpost

A new report has identified a stray high-altitude weather balloon as the mysterious object that collided with a United Airlines jet last month, shattering the windshield and scattering glass in the cockpit as the plane flew at 36,000 feet above Utah. The injured captain, who suffered multiple injuries from flying glass after the balloon collided with a Boeing 737 at about 6:43 a.m. on Oct. 16, was forced to divert to Salt Lake City, the National Transportation Safety Board said Friday.

A Windborne Systems Global Sounding Balloon launched from Spokane, Washington, the previous day drifted southward over Nevada before turning back toward Utah, according to preliminary findings. The California-based aerospace company said it had lost contact with the gas-filled, envelope-shaped balloon, which was in the vicinity when one of the jet’s multi-layered windshields nearly burst during a Denver-to-Los Angeles flight.

Safety design questioned after glass showered in cockpit

Windborn says its balloons are engineered to minimize damage in the event of a collision with an aircraft or impact with the ground, noting that they contain no large metal or high-stiffness structural components. However, the report also highlights that the plane’s windshield is made to withstand a four-pound bird strike without breaking.

“The impact resulted in both pilots being showered with glass fragments,” the NTSB report said. The captain suffered several superficial injuries to his right hand, while the first officer was uninjured. The remaining 111 passengers on board the plane were not injured. Pictures shared online after the incident showed the captain’s bruised and bleeding hand and shards of glass scattered in the cockpit.

The collision occurred when the captain spotted an unidentified object on the horizon; According to investigators, before he could alert the first officer, it hit the plane with a “loud bang”. Cabin pressure remained stable and the crew safely headed to Salt Lake City International Airport.

The company promised new security measures as the inquiry continues.

Windborne issued a statement Friday in response to the report, announcing four new security measures aimed at preventing future incidents. These include reducing the length of time balloons remain in commercial airspace, increasing air traffic alerts, developing collision-avoidance algorithms, and reducing balloon mass to further limit damage in the event of impact.

“We are deeply relieved that Flight UA 1093 landed safely and with minimal damage,” the company said. “Our flight systems are designed to prevent mid-air impacts and, in the rare event of an occurrence, to ensure safety through redundant structural and operational safeguards….The UA1093 incident has reinforced our commitment to continuous improvement, and we have taken immediate action to further strengthen safeguards.”

The NTSB investigation continues.