A JetBlue pilot reported hitting a drone at approximately 3,000 feet in altitude as the flight was landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Monday. The JetBlue plane, which originated at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, was reportedly right above the cockpit at around 7:15 a.m. local time.
“We are clear to land, 13 left. Just quickly, I couldn’t talk to approach, but we collided with a drone back there in the turn as we were coming to ASALT, just wanted to pass to you,” the pilot told an air traffic controller, adding that they didn’t require any help and could proceed with the landing.
According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft was around 10 to 12 miles from JFK Airport at the time of the reported collision, just north of the seaside hamlet of Sea Bright.
JetBlue Flight 948, an Airbus A320, landed safely at around 7:25 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and a post-flight assessment revealed no damage. The agency has started an investigation into the incident.
“The flight landed without incident, customers deplaned normally and the plane was removed from service for a post-flight inspection, which found no damage or evidence of a collision,” JetBlue Airways said in a statement. “Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations.”
A drone almost collided with another plane last week
Three days prior to this incident, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that United Airlines Flight 1513, carrying 106 passengers and five crew members, reported seeing a drone while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport. Another pilot reported spotting the drone at about 2,000 feet while arriving in Newark on a different aircraft.
According to the FAA, the agency and law enforcement investigate over 100 drone sightings in the vicinity of airports each month. Drone operators who breach restricted airspace may face hefty fines, license suspensions, the confiscation of their drone, and even criminal charges that could lead to jail time.