A Utah Man Solves the Mystery of a Plane's Mid-Air Mishap

In the vast skies over Utah, a United Airlines plane encountered an unexpected issue, leading to a diverted flight and a cracked windshield. The cause remained a mystery until a hobbyist named Ranse Parker stepped in. Parker, a weather balloon enthusiast, noticed something odd while tracking balloon data. One balloon, launched by WindBorne Systems, seemed to have "landed" at an unusually high altitude of 36, 000 feet near Moab. Parker connected the dots. The timing of the balloon's last transmission matched the time United Flight 1093 was in the area. The altitude where the balloon last sent a signal was within the typical cruising range of passenger jets. This led Parker to suspect that the plane might have collided with the weather balloon. The incident raised questions about the safety of weather balloons sharing airspace with commercial flights. WindBorne Systems, the company behind the balloon, acknowledged the possibility of a collision. They assured that their balloons are designed to pose minimal risk to human life, complying with federal regulations. However, the incident left a pilot with minor injuries, which the company found unacceptable. WindBorne Systems took steps to improve safety. They updated their software to reduce the time balloons spend at altitudes between 30, 000 and 40, 000 feet. The company also plans to implement further changes, allowing balloons to autonomously avoid flight paths using live data. Additionally, they are exploring modifications to the payload to minimize damage in case of collisions. Parker's interest in weather balloons began as a child when he found an electronic box in the desert. His hobby has taken him across the West, recovering balloons from various locations, including near Area 51 and Francis Peak. His latest discovery might add solving an aviation mystery to his list of accomplishments. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, but no further details have been released. United Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration have not provided additional information. The incident highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement in aviation safety measures.