MOAB, Utah – A preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) details a midair collision on October 16, 2025 between a United Airlines flight en route from Denver to Los Angeles and possibly a weather balloon from Spokane.
The pilot of the Boeing 737-8 aircraft diverted to Salt Lake City after the plane made a significant impact with an object to the first officer’s windshield at a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet, causing glass to shower the cockpit.
According to the report, WindBorne Systems Inc. reported losing contact with a global sounding balloon (GSB) in the area at the time of the accident.
The balloon traveled south from Spokane, down through Oregon and Nevada before turning northeast, and was crossing through Utah at the time of the accident, the report stated.
Post-collision, the crew worked with air traffic control to safely descend and divert to Salt Lake City International Airport. The captain handed control to the first officer to manage checklists and communications. Despite the windshield damage, the cabin’s pressurization remained stable.
The collision resulted in minor injuries to the captain, who suffered superficial lacerations to his right arm. The other 111 occupants on board were unharmed.
Emergency medical personnel attended to the captain upon arrival at the gate in Salt Lake City, providing first aid for his injuries.
NTSB is investigating the incident with involvement from United Airlines, Boeing, the Federal Aviation Administration, and WindBorne Systems. The damaged windshield has been sent for examination, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Full report by the NTSB:
