Overview
- The Boeing 737-8 was cruising near Moab at about 36,000 feet en route from Denver to Los Angeles with 112 people aboard when the cockpit windshield was struck.
- The captain reported seeing a distant object moments before a significant impact on the first officer’s forward windshield accompanied by a loud bang.
- Investigators say radar tracks matched a WindBorne balloon’s path, and the company reported losing contact at 6:36 a.m., about 10 minutes before the collision around 6:43 a.m.
- The balloon was made from thin, low-tensile plastic and included no large metal pieces or other high-stiffness structural elements, according to the report.
- The captain sustained superficial arm lacerations, the flight diverted safely to Salt Lake City, and the damaged windshield was sent to an NTSB lab as the investigation continues.