United Captain Reveals Space Debris Damaged Plane at 36,000 Feet, Photos Show Impact
The captain of a United Airlines Boeing 737 recently reported that the aircraft was damaged by what he believes to be space debris. The incident occurred on a flight from Denver to Los Angeles, forcing a diversion to Salt Lake City.
Incident Overview
Flight 1093, carrying 140 passengers, experienced damage while cruising at an altitude of 36,000 feet. Photos from the cockpit showed significant impact on the windshield and an injury to the captain’s arm.
Understanding Space Debris
Space debris consists of defunct human-made objects, such as inactive satellites and fragments from previous missions, that orbit the Earth. These objects can pose risks to both spacecraft and commercial flights.
Recent Developments
- The incident occurred on October 18, 2025.
- Witness accounts include the captain stating he saw the object just before it impacted the aircraft.
- Initial skepticism surrounded the claim, as the FAA estimates the risk from space debris to be at less than a trillion-to-one.
Expert Opinions
Despite the captain’s statements, experts remain cautious about attributing the damage solely to space debris. They highlight that such events are extremely rare and that the visibility of space debris at cruising altitude would be unlikely.
Outcome of the Flight
The Boeing 737 safely diverted to Salt Lake City, where passengers were transferred to another aircraft for their journey to Los Angeles. The incident has sparked discussions about the potential risks posed by space debris to commercial aviation.
As investigations continue, monitoring of space debris remains crucial for ensuring the safety of air travel.
