A United Airlines flight was forced to return to Memphis International Airport shortly after takeoff on December 1, 2025. Flight UA1126, which was en route to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, experienced a cracked windshield on its Boeing 737-700 aircraft. The crew immediately halted their ascent and initiated a safe return to Memphis, landing approximately thirty minutes later.
Upon landing at 7:34 a.m., just four minutes behind schedule, the aircraft taxiied to the gate without further incident. There were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew. United Airlines responded swiftly, reallocating a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Chicago.
Details of the Incident
Flight UA1126 operates daily between Memphis and Chicago, also sharing its flight number with routes from Chicago to Newark and from Newark to Tampa. The flight on December 1 was operated by aircraft N14735, a 26-year-old Boeing 737-700, which can accommodate up to 126 passengers. The exact number of travelers on board at the time of the incident remains unclear.
As the aircraft ascended through 13,000 feet, the first officer’s side windshield developed a crack. The cause of the crack is still unknown; it could be attributed to a mechanical issue or a possible collision with a bird or other object. Following standard protocol, the crew declared an emergency and began their descent back to Memphis.
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 36R, and passengers were deplaned without further issues. Shortly thereafter, United sourced a replacement aircraft, designated N81449, a Boeing 737-900ER with a seating capacity of 179. This aircraft had just arrived from Washington-Dulles and allowed UA1126 to depart again at 2:04 p.m., resulting in a delay of approximately six hours.
Aftermath and Safety Considerations
The incident raised immediate concerns regarding the cracked windshield, as it poses potential risks, including reduced visibility for the pilots and the possibility of cabin depressurization. Although United Airlines has not confirmed the extent of the damage, such cracks can lead to further complications, including increased chances of glass shattering, which could compromise pilot safety.
In a similar incident in October 2025, a United Airlines 737 collided with an object mid-flight, resulting in a shattered windshield and minor injuries to one of the pilots. This history underscores the importance of addressing any issues with aircraft windshields promptly.
Following the incident on December 1, aircraft N14735 remains grounded for repairs. United Airlines will either need to transport replacement parts to Memphis or ferry the aircraft to a nearby maintenance facility, likely Chicago O’Hare. If the aircraft is flown to another location, it will have to operate at a lower altitude due to the potential pressurization risk.
Passengers affected by the delay may receive compensation, and United Airlines will likely assist in rebooking any connecting flights, given that Chicago O’Hare serves as the airline’s largest hub.
As United Airlines continues to manage the aftermath of this incident, safety remains a top priority, ensuring that all necessary repairs are completed before N14735 reenters service.
