A United Airlines flight was forced to return to Memphis on the morning of December 1, 2025, after its windshield cracked shortly after takeoff. Flight UA1126, which was scheduled to fly from Memphis International Airport to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, had to make an emergency descent and safely landed back in Memphis within half an hour of departure.
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft, a 26-year-old Boeing 737-700 registered as N14735, took off at 07:34 local time, only four minutes behind schedule. As the plane climbed through 13,000 feet, the windshield on the first officer’s side cracked, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and return to the airport. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Replacement Aircraft and Delays
After landing, the aircraft was taxiied back to the gate, where passengers were deplaned. United Airlines arranged for a replacement aircraft, a Boeing 737-900ER identified as N81449, which was arriving from Washington-Dulles. The replacement flight departed Memphis at 14:04 and arrived in Chicago at 15:25, resulting in a delay of nearly six hours for passengers. Although the exact number of passengers on board UA1126 is unknown, the aircraft has a maximum capacity of 126 passengers and requires two pilots and three flight attendants.
Passengers impacted by the delay were likely compensated, and United Airlines managed to rebook connecting passengers on alternative flights, a process facilitated by O’Hare being the airline’s largest hub.
Concerns Over Windshield Integrity
The cracked windshield raises significant safety concerns, particularly regarding cabin pressurization. While United has not disclosed the extent of the damage, a cracked windshield can compromise visibility for the pilots and may lead to depressurization risks in the cabin. Airline pilots typically rely on instrument readings for navigation, but any deterioration in the windshield could pose additional hazards.
This incident follows a previous incident in October 2025, when a United 737 collided with an object midair, resulting in a shattered windshield and minor injuries to a pilot from flying glass shards. It remains unclear whether the crack in UA1126’s windshield was a result of an external impact or an issue with the glass itself.
The aircraft, N14735, remains grounded for repairs. United Airlines will need to either ship replacement parts to Memphis or ferry the aircraft to a nearby maintenance base, likely at Chicago O’Hare. Due to the potential pressurization issue, if the aircraft is moved, it would have to be flown at a lower altitude.
As the investigation continues, the airline is expected to prioritize passenger safety and the integrity of its fleet, ensuring that such incidents are addressed promptly and effectively.
