A United Airlines flight travelling from San Francisco to Boston became the centre of a dramatic aviation incident when the aircraft's cockpit windscreen dramatically cracked while cruising at 35,000 feet, forcing pilots to declare an emergency.
The alarming situation unfolded aboard Flight UA213 on Monday, compelling the experienced flight crew to rapidly descend and divert to Denver International Airport. Passengers reported hearing unusual noises before the captain announced the serious technical issue affecting the aircraft's front windows.
Emergency Response Activated
Air traffic control recordings reveal the tense moments as pilots communicated their emergency situation, requesting priority handling and emergency services on standby. The aircraft, an Airbus A320, landed safely in Denver at approximately 4:30 PM local time, where it was met by emergency vehicles as a precautionary measure.
One shaken passenger described the moment: "We heard a loud bang followed by the captain's calm but urgent announcement. The crew remained incredibly professional throughout the ordeal."
Industry Experts Weigh In
Aviation safety specialists have emphasised that while windscreen cracks are rare, modern aircraft are designed with multiple layers of protection to prevent catastrophic failure. The incident marks yet another safety concern for United Airlines, following several high-profile technical issues in recent months.
United Airlines released a statement confirming: "Flight UA213 diverted to Denver due to a maintenance issue. The aircraft landed safely and passengers were accommodated on alternative flights. Safety remains our highest priority."
The affected aircraft has been removed from service for thorough inspection by maintenance crews, while aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the windscreen failure.
