El Paso-Bound Flight Returns to Houston After Windshield Shatters

HOUSTON, Texas — A Mesa Airlines flight returned to Houston shortly after departure when the aircraft’s windshield shattered, according to the airline and air traffic control audio.

Recordings obtained by ABC News show that the plane did not lose cabin pressurization after the windshield on the first officer’s side of the cockpit broke.

The aircraft had taken off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport and was headed to El Paso when the incident occurred. Air traffic control audio indicated the crew landed safely, then taxied the plane to the gate without assistance.

Officials said there were no reported injuries.

CHECK THIS OUT: Family Calls for Probe Into Woman’s Death After Hike Disappearance

Aircraft windshields and cockpit windows are built with several layers, meaning damage to a single layer generally does not create a serious problem. However, the pilot told air traffic control that multiple shards of glass were falling into the cockpit, suggesting that more than one layer had been damaged.

The incident follows a similar event reported last year, when a weather balloon allegedly struck and shattered the windshield of a United Airlines flight, according to ABC News.

The cause of the shattered windshield and the full extent of the damage remain unknown. Mesa Airlines officials told ABC News they were working to help the passengers continue to their intended destination.