A United Airlines flight was forced to return to Memphis International Airport shortly after takeoff on December 1, 2025, due to a cracked windshield. United flight UA1126, a daily service from Memphis to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, departed at 07:34 local time. The incident occurred when the aircraft was climbing through 13,000 feet, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and turn back to Memphis.
The Boeing 737-700, identified as N14735, landed safely approximately 30 minutes after departure. The aircraft taxied back to the gate without incident, and no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. The exact number of passengers onboard has not been disclosed, but the aircraft has a maximum capacity of 126 seats.
Details of the Incident
Upon returning to Memphis, passengers were deplaned, and United Airlines quickly arranged for a replacement aircraft. The replacement, a Boeing 737-900ER, designated N81449, was arriving from Washington-Dulles. The new flight finally departed Memphis at 14:04, resulting in a delay of nearly six hours, with an estimated arrival at Chicago O’Hare at 15:25.
According to reports, passengers affected by the delay were likely compensated, and United Airlines managed rebookings for connecting flights smoothly due to the large volume of options available at its primary hub. The original aircraft, N14735, remains grounded pending repairs.
Concerns Regarding the Cracked Windshield
The cracked windshield raises significant safety concerns. While pilots primarily rely on instruments for navigation, visibility can be severely compromised. More critically, a crack can lead to depressurization within the cabin. Although United Airlines has not confirmed the extent of the damage, a cracked windshield has the potential to worsen, increasing the risk of further issues.
In a related incident in October 2025, a United 737 experienced a windshield shattering when it collided with an object in midair, resulting in minor injuries to one of the pilots from flying glass. The cause of the crack on UA1126 remains uncertain; it could be a structural issue or the result of a collision with an object.
As of now, the damaged aircraft will require repairs before it can return to service. United Airlines will need to assess whether to transport replacement parts to Memphis or ferry the aircraft to a maintenance facility, likely in Chicago, for further inspection and repair. Given the potential for pressurization issues, any ferry flight would need to adhere to strict operational protocols.
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety checks within the aviation industry, ensuring that such issues are addressed promptly to safeguard passengers and crew.
