United Air Lines Flight 736, a Boeing 720, was en route from Los Angeles to New York City when it collided with a United States Air Force F-100 Super Sabre fighter jet over northern Nevada. The collision occurred near Arden, modern-day Enterprise, Nevada, as the aircraft were operating at a high altitude. Flight 736 was carrying 50 passengers and a crew of 6, all of whom were alarmed when they experienced a sudden impact that rattled the plane. The military jet, conducting a training maneuver, miscalculated its position in relation to the commercial airliner, resulting in the dramatic encounter.

The aftermath of the collision saw immediate responses from both the military and civilian aviation authorities. In particular, the incident highlighted the need for strict regulations governing military flight operations in proximity to civilian air traffic. Officials began reviewing protocols and establishing clearer communication channels between civilian air traffic controllers and military flight operations to prevent future collisions. The public was left anxious about the safety of air travel, leading to a rise in scrutiny regarding airspace regulations and emergency procedures.

Further investigation into the incident revealed issues related to situational awareness and air traffic control protocols that needed urgent addressing. The event led to more stringent regulations regarding military training exercises and their scheduling, particularly in areas that overlapped with commercial air routes. Thus, not only did the event raise awareness about air safety standards, it also catalyzed changes in how military and civilian aircraft interact in shared airspace, shaping future aviation safety policy.