In recent days, there has been a lot of talk about a bizarre flight diversion incident, first flagged by JonNYC, with a lot of questions about what caused it. Well, we now have some more insights, and the likely explanation is quite something…
Continue reading: United Boeing 737 Hit By Weather Balloon, Cracking Windshield & Bruising Pilot
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
so the question becomes whose responsibility it is to monitor the location of these weather monitoring balloons given that the company says they do provide location information for them.
UA might be adding another layer of data to their "top-tier" IT systems.
Called it. Check the receipts. I theorized that it was a balloon. (Technically, I suggested it was a Chinese spy balloon, but that's because I don't trust the CCP, nor should anyone).
Uh, probably the FAA, Tim. Maybe we should fund them, properly. And, invest in better technology. Or, are you against that... because... you prefer a 'small government' *facepalm*
Who’s a cleaver so-n-so 1990?
That has just confirmed my theory that you are a ‘Recruiting Sargent’ for the company …. 🙂
Tim, please be carful how you answer 1990, as you might find yourself being whisked off to Virginia for a long ‘holiday’ …. 🙂
Ben, if you would like to be technically correct, please be advised that the Max window did not “Crack”. It was actually Shattered or physically broken into pieces, yes?
1990
you do realize that aircraft operators have systems to monitor traffic and weather even though ATC also performs that function?
aviation works because of redundant systems which have existed under administrations of all/both stripes. it has nothing to do with the size of government
Not everything is political as much as you try to make it so
The more the merrier, Tim. I'm with you, let's prevent these incidents from occurring. And not just commercial aviators. If you're taking a Cessna 172 up for a weekend joyride, ya don't wanna hit these things either!
Oh, great, so now we each have 'theories'... speaking of, what ever happened to all those 'UFO' sightings in New Jersey around December 2024? Bah...
You just can’t comment on a United article without throwing some sort of hate their way can you?
Glacialfury, hate, what hate? You, it would appear are the only one with cold hate in your persona …. 🙂 …. poor darlink ….
Not guilty 1990, I have only flown my AOP.6 on the right side of the pond …. ‘onset Jon!
Wouldn't have it any other way. Tim will 'keep climbing' for another '100 years'!
🙂 …. 2hrs last week but 3hrs the week before. Kept my head down but it is getting colder even at FL030. No balloons on my FP.
I'm curious about the diversion, it's a long way out of the way.
Seems like proceeding to the actual destination would have saved everybody many hours and been no riskier (not any longer in the air)? Obviously request priority landing clearance in that case.
One remains adamant that widow glass did not simply “Crack” as indicated in Ben’s article. The impact caused the laminate glass to be “Shattered”. However, one contends that some “Spalling” of the inner glass pane occurred, causing lacerations to the crew member’s forearm.
It is obvious the impact which shattered the glass elements, did not cause a loss of cabin pressure, due to fact that PVB bonding layers remained intact.
Please take your own advice and ask Mr Google if you remain unsure, omarsidd.
omarsidd, you make reference to the fact that the flight diverted to SLC rather than continuing to LAX. Quite possibly one of the reasons why the aircraft was diverted to SLC, is because of the pressure differential between SLC and LAX. The higher the pressure upon the shattered glass, the higher the risk of the PVB falling, therefore, presenting a greater risk of cabin decompression.
Denver International Airport is located at an elevation of 5,434 feet (1,656 meters) above sea level.
The elevation of Salt Lake City International Airport is 4,227 feet (1,288 meters) above mean sea level.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has an elevation of approximately 127 feet (39 meters) above sea level.
What a refreshing communication from the Windborne CEO.
No hiding behind legalese or insurers' guidance or regulations or silence.
Nor being shy in pointing out what did work well and what could be better.
So who still wants to fly a MAX aircraft? The amount of cheap parts on this is amazing; US corporate greed at its best over safety.