A United Airlines flight was forced to return to Memphis on December 1, 2025, after a crack appeared in the windshield of the aircraft. United flight UA1126 was departing from Memphis International Airport, bound for Chicago O’Hare International Airport, when the incident occurred shortly after takeoff.
The Boeing 737-700, identified as N14735 and approximately 26 years old, took off at 7:34 AM, just four minutes behind schedule. During its ascent, while climbing through 13,000 feet, the first officer’s side windshield developed a crack, prompting the crew to declare an emergency. The aircraft made a safe landing back at Memphis after approximately thirty minutes in the air, taxiing back to the gate without any reported injuries among the passengers.
Flight Delays and Replacement Aircraft
After landing, United Airlines promptly deplaned the passengers and arranged for a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Chicago. The new aircraft, a Boeing 737-900ER designated N81449, was arriving from Washington-Dulles. As a result, UA1126 did not depart Memphis until 2:04 PM, ultimately arriving at Chicago O’Hare at 3:25 PM, leading to a delay of roughly six hours.
Passengers on UA1126 are expected to receive compensation for the delay, and United Airlines will likely assist in rebooking connecting flights for those affected. Given that Chicago O’Hare is one of United’s largest hubs, the rebooking process is anticipated to be manageable for the airline.
Implications of the Windshield Crack
The incident raises concerns about the safety implications of a cracked windshield. Such damage can compromise visibility for the pilots and potentially lead to cabin depressurization. Although United has not confirmed the exact cause of the windshield damage, it is crucial to address these issues before the aircraft can reenter service.
The cracked windshield will undergo repairs, which may involve shipping replacement parts to Memphis or possibly relocating the aircraft to a nearby maintenance facility, potentially requiring it to be flown at a lower altitude due to the pressurization risk.
This situation is particularly reminiscent of an incident in October 2025, when another United 737 experienced a mid-air collision that shattered its windshield. That incident, attributed to a weather balloon, caused minor injuries to a pilot due to flying glass shards.
As investigations continue into the cause of the windshield crack on UA1126, United Airlines remains committed to ensuring the safety of its flights and passengers.
