A United Airlines flight was forced to return to Memphis on the morning of December 1, 2025, after a crack developed in the windshield of the aircraft. Flight UA1126 was on its way to Chicago O’Hare International Airport when the crew detected the issue shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 737-700, identified as N14735, was operating the route when the first officer’s side windshield developed a crack at an altitude of approximately 13,000 feet.
Upon discovering the damage, the flight crew declared an emergency and initiated a descent back to Memphis. The aircraft landed safely at Memphis International Airport approximately half an hour after departure. Following the landing, the plane taxied back to the gate without any reported injuries among the passengers or crew.
Details of the Incident
Flight UA1126, a daily service between Memphis and Chicago, left Memphis at 07:34, just four minutes behind schedule. The flight was expected to arrive in Chicago at 09:26, with a block time of one hour and 56 minutes. Although the exact number of passengers on board is unknown, the Boeing 737-700 has a maximum capacity of 126 seats and requires a crew of two pilots and three flight attendants.
The cause of the windshield crack remains unclear. It is uncertain whether it resulted from a manufacturing defect or if the aircraft collided with an object, such as a bird. Similar incidents have occurred in the past; for instance, in October 2025, a United 737 experienced a windshield shattering mid-flight after colliding with an object, resulting in minor injuries to one pilot.
Aftermath and Passenger Impact
After the incident, United Airlines quickly addressed the situation by sourcing a replacement aircraft. The new plane, a Boeing 737-900ER designated as N81449, arrived from Washington Dulles Airport. UA1126 ultimately departed Memphis at 14:04 and reached Chicago at 15:25, resulting in a significant delay of approximately six hours for passengers.
United Airlines likely offered compensation to affected passengers and managed to rebook those with connecting flights, given that Chicago-O’Hare serves as the airline’s largest hub. Meanwhile, the original aircraft, N14735, remains grounded for repairs. A crack in the windshield poses a potential risk of cabin depressurization, necessitating thorough inspections and repairs before the aircraft can return to service.
While the airline has not yet confirmed the extent of the damage, it is essential for safety protocols to be followed. The company will either repair the windshield on-site or transport the aircraft to a maintenance facility, likely in Chicago, for more extensive repairs. Any ferry flights would require the plane to operate at lower altitudes to mitigate depressurization risks.
The incident raises important safety concerns regarding aircraft maintenance and the potential impacts of external objects on flight safety. As investigations continue, United Airlines remains committed to ensuring that all safety measures are upheld for its passengers and crew.
