JetBlue flight hits drone on final approach to JFK, FAA opens investigation

What happened

A JetBlue pilot reported striking a drone while on final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning. The aircraft, an Airbus A321 arriving on a midnight redeye from Las Vegas, was flying at about 3,000 feet (900 metres) when the impact occurred around 7:15 a.m. EDT, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

“We collided with a drone back there in the turn. It hit us right above the cockpit.”

The pilot told air traffic control that no assistance was needed and continued the approach. JetBlue said flight landed without incident, passengers deplaned normally, and the aircraft was removed from service for a post-flight inspection.

Inspection and investigation

The inspection found no damage or evidence of a collision, JetBlue said in a statement. The plane was later cleared and departed for Los Angeles, according to ABC 7. The FAA has launched an investigation into the strike. Unauthorised drone operations near airports carry the risk of fines or jail time, the agency warned.

A second close call

Monday’s incident came less than three days after a United Airlines crew reported a drone encounter while descending into Newark Liberty International Airport. On Friday evening, a Boeing 737 arriving from Key West, Florida, with 106 passengers and five crew members on board, was approaching Newark at 5:20 p.m. when the crew spotted a drone in the airspace. The flight landed safely and all passengers disembarked without issue.

Drone risk at airports

The FAA said it receives more than 100 reports of drone sightings near airports every month. Drones generally are allowed to fly up to 400 feet, well below the altitude at which the JetBlue flight was struck. The agency advises that it is difficult for pilots to see and avoid drones while flying, and reminds operators they must avoid manned aircraft.

“We want to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters, and airports is dangerous and illegal.”