Bird strike forces major airline to turn around after windshield is cracked midair

The aircraft had just departed Newark Liberty International Airport Monday morning, March 9, and was bound for Jacksonville, Florida, when the strike happened. 

The airline confirmed the incident to Fox News Digital.

"United flight 1207 safely returned to Newark following a bird strike," according to a United Airlines statement shared with Fox News Digital. 

There were 138 passengers and six crew members on board the Boeing 737.

Federal aviation officials said the crew reported a cracked windshield and a possible pressurization issue after the bird strike.

United later said a subsequent inspection did not show damage to the windshield.

Flight tracking data from FlightAware shows the plane was airborne for less than an hour before returning to Newark.

Bird strikes are not uncommon.

The FAA tracks reported wildlife collisions through its Wildlife Strike Database, which has collected data since 1990, the FAA website noted. 

Reporting is voluntary, so the numbers reflect incidents submitted by airlines, pilots and airports.

In 2023 alone, nearly 19,400 strikes were recorded at more than 700 U.S. airports.

The FAA has said the increase in reported incidents is linked to rising wildlife populations, more aircraft traffic and improved reporting. 

Fox Business previously reported on a separate United Airlines incident involving windshield damage last year.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating the incident and collecting radar, weather and flight recorder data.

The aircraft was carrying 134 passengers and six crew members at the time; United arranged for a replacement plane to complete the trip.

Daniella Genovese contributed reporting.