A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 140 passengers from Denver to Los Angeles was forced to make an emergency landing in Salt Lake City after its cockpit windshield mysteriously cracked mid-flight at 36,000 feet.

A pilot sustained minor injuries during an incident that necessitated a swift descent to 26,000 feet, ultimately resulting in a safe landing. Passengers faced a delay of around six hours and were rebooked onto a subsequent flight.

Authorities are actively investigating to pinpoint the cause of the windshield crack. While some speculate it could be due to debris, hail, or even space-related materials, a definitive cause has yet to be determined. Images of the damaged windshield show extensive cracks and impact marks, raising alarm among aviation safety experts.

In a similar event, War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s aircraft experienced a windshield crack during a return flight to the United States from a NATO meeting. This prompted an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom after the crack was identified. Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft descended to 10,000 feet, which aligns with standard emergency procedures. Fortunately, all passengers, including Hegseth, were unharmed. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the unscheduled landing, attributing it to standard emergency protocols.

These incidents highlight increased concerns about aircraft windshield durability and overall aviation safety. Both the United Airlines and Hegseth’s flights raise questions about potential systemic issues and the necessity for rigorous maintenance and inspection.