A High-Flying Mishap: Plane and Weather Balloon Collision

A United Airlines flight from Denver to Los Angeles had a close call recently. The plane, cruising at 36,000 feet over Utah, seemed to hit a weather balloon. This unexpected encounter cracked the windshield, leading to an emergency landing in Salt Lake City. Fortunately, all 134 passengers and 6 crew members were safe.

The Balloon's Origin

The balloon belongs to Windborne Systems, a California-based company that uses these balloons to collect weather data. The CEO, John Dean, was shocked by the damage caused. The balloons are lightweight, weighing just 2.4 pounds at launch, but even that was enough to cause trouble.

Safety Measures and Regulations

Windborne Systems follows all the rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They file notices for pilots and share live updates on balloon positions. However, this incident has raised questions about safety. Dean expressed his concern, stating that any injury is unacceptable.

Investigation and Future Steps

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident. They haven't released any details yet, partly due to the government shutdown. Windborne Systems has already taken steps to prevent future incidents. They've updated their software to reduce the time balloons spend in the altitude range where planes fly. They're also looking into different designs for the balloons' ballast to minimize damage.

Historical Context and Future Risks

This isn't the first time a plane has encountered a weather balloon. However, it's a reminder of the potential risks. The NTSB's preliminary report is expected in a few weeks, but the full report might take over a year. Until then, both Windborne Systems and the aviation industry will be looking at ways to improve safety.