Investigating the 737 Max Windshield Incident: Space Debris or Other Causes?

Government investigators are currently working to determine the exact cause of a significant windshield crack that occurred on a United Airlines 737 Max aircraft flying at altitudes above 30,000 feet. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed Sunday that it is investigating an airliner that was struck by an object in its windscreen mid-flight over Utah, according to reports from Ars Technica.

The Incident Details

The strike occurred Thursday during a United Airlines flight from Denver to Los Angeles. Images shared on social media revealed that one of the two large windows at the front of the 737 MAX aircraft was significantly cracked. The aircraft was flying above 30,000 feet—likely around 36,000 feet—when the incident occurred. Despite the significant damage, the cockpit maintained its cabin pressure, and the aircraft safely landed at Salt Lake City International Airport after being diverted.

Investigation Underway

The NTSB has initiated a comprehensive investigation, gathering radar data, weather information, and flight recorder data. The damaged windscreen is being sent to NTSB laboratories for detailed examination. This thorough approach will help investigators determine the nature of the object that caused the damage and its origin.

Potential Causes Being Considered

The captain of the flight reportedly described the object that hit the plane as "space debris," though this has not been confirmed. Several possibilities are being considered by investigators. While a few species of birds can fly above 30,000 feet, the world's highest flying bird, Rüppell's vulture, is found mainly in Africa, making this unlikely. Other potential causes include unregulated weather balloons or hail, though it's unclear whether these would have sufficient velocity to cause the observed damage.

Space Object Possibility

If the object wasn't terrestrial in origin, space debris or a meteor remains a possibility. According to recent studies cited in the investigation, about 17,000 meteorites strike Earth in a given year, which is at least an order of magnitude greater than the amount of human-made space debris that survives reentry through Earth's atmosphere. A careful analysis of the glass and metal impacted by the object should be able to reveal its precise origin.

The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure aviation safety and prevent similar incidents in the future. The thorough examination of the damaged components will provide crucial insights into what occurred at high altitude and help establish protocols for dealing with such rare but potentially dangerous situations.