What caused the cracked windshield on the United Airlines 737 MAX 8?

Theories range from space debris to hail impact, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

How long were the passengers delayed on the United Airlines flight?

Passengers were rebooked on a replacement aircraft and arrived in Los Angeles approximately 6 hours behind schedule.

Where did the United Airlines 737 MAX 8 flight divert to?

The aircraft was forced to divert to Salt Lake City International Airport after the cracked windshield was discovered mid-flight.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Cracked Windshield Forces United Airlines Flight to Divert

Cracked Windshield Forces United Airlines Flight to Divert

20 Oct, 2025

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Summary

United Airlines 737 MAX 8 diverted to Salt Lake City due to cracked windshield
Possible causes include space debris or hail impact
Passengers delayed 6 hours on replacement flight

Cracked Windshield Forces United Airlines Flight to Divert

On October 16, 2025, a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating flight UA1093 from Denver to Los Angeles was forced to divert to Salt Lake City International Airport after the pilots discovered a cracked windshield mid-flight. The aircraft, carrying 140 passengers and crew, descended from 36,000 feet to 26,000 feet before safely landing in Salt Lake City.

Passengers were later rebooked on a replacement Boeing 737 MAX 9 and arrived in Los Angeles approximately 6 hours behind schedule. According to reports, the captain observed an object striking the plane, which he described as possibly "space debris." Photos of the aircraft's exterior also showed numerous marks consistent with hail damage, though the unusual windshield crack at cruising altitude has fueled alternative theories.

While the cause of the crack remains under investigation, aviation enthusiasts have speculated that it could have been caused by space debris or a small meteorite. However, a 2023 FAA report states the likelihood of a passenger being injured by falling space debris is extremely low, less than one in a trillion. United Airlines has not yet confirmed the exact cause of the incident.