A JetBlue pilot has reported a near-collision with a drone while landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. The incident occurred on the morning of June 29, as the Airbus A321 was on its final approach after departing from Las Vegas roughly four and a half hours earlier. Despite the pilot’s assertion that the drone struck the aircraft, a subsequent inspection found no damage.
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According to air traffic control recordings, the pilot communicated the incident while preparing to land. “We collided with a drone back there in the turn,” the pilot informed air traffic controllers, noting that the collision happened about 10 to 12 miles from the airport. When asked if the impact had occurred, the pilot confirmed, “Yep, it hit us right above the cockpit.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed the details of the event, stating that the drone was reported to have come into contact with the aircraft while it was flying at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet. Notably, JetBlue’s inspection following the incident showed no signs of damage, and the flight later landed without any further issues. The aircraft was taken out of service briefly for evaluation.
In a separate but related event, an effort was made to locate the drone suspected of causing the collision. Approximately one hour after the report, a helicopter from the New York Police Department was deployed to search the skies above Canarsie, Brooklyn. However, the aerial search yielded no results, as the helicopter reported to air traffic control that they had “no joy” in locating the drone.
This vicinity to JFK is becoming increasingly concerning, as just days prior, a similar drone sighting occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. During that instance, a United Airlines pilot narrated their experience of nearly colliding with a drone as they approached the airport. Both the FAA and the airline confirmed the safe landing of the aircraft without any reported harm to passengers or crew.
The FAA is currently investigating both incidents, which reflect a troubling trend as it receives approximately 100 reports of drone sightings near airports each month. While operating drones is generally permitted in the United States below 400 feet, strict regulations prohibit such activities within the airspace surrounding airports.
When drone sightings or misuse are reported, air traffic controllers frequently coordinate with local law enforcement to track down the drone operator. Aircraft operations may also be adjusted as necessary to ensure safety during these encounters. The FAA further warns that those who operate drones without proper authority may face substantial fines, legal repercussions, and even potential jail time.
As the popularity of drone flying continues to rise, concerns regarding safety in commercial airspace remain a significant issue for aviation authorities. The increasing frequency of incidents such as these calls for better regulation and enforcement to protect both aircraft and the public from potential hazards posed by drones in restricted zones.
With investigations ongoing, the JetBlue aircraft and Newark encounter serve as reminders of the critical need for shared responsibility amongst drone users and the aviation community to maintain safety standards in air travel.