A JetBlue pilot reported to air traffic control that his aircraft had a collision with a drone during its landing at JFK Airport in New York. The Federal Aviation Administration has initiated an investigation following the incident that occurred around 7:15 am today, with the plane at an altitude of 3,000 feet.
The JetBlue flight B9-948, which was en route from Las Vegas, did not require an emergency landing and safely landed on Runway 13L at JFK Airport. The pilot informed the air traffic controller of the drone collision, stating that it hit the aircraft above the cockpit.
After the passengers disembarked without any issues, the plane was taken out of service for inspection, although JetBlue confirmed finding no damage or signs of a collision on the Airbus A321 aircraft. The airline emphasized that safety is its top priority and pledged cooperation with relevant investigations.
In the United States, drones are permitted to fly below 400 feet, but the FAA imposes airspace restrictions around airports and public events due to safety reasons. Reports from law enforcement agencies indicate that drone presence near airports poses a growing threat, with more than 100 drone sightings reported monthly near airports prompting FAA investigations and potential penalties for violators.
Officials are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by drones, inspired by the harm caused by drones in conflict zones like Ukraine and Iran. While initial reports of drone encounters by airline pilots are taken seriously, subsequent investigations may reveal no actual collision, as seen in a recent incident where a drone passed beneath a United Airlines plane without impact during its approach to San Diego.
