The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after a JetBlue Airways pilot reported that a drone struck an aircraft on final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning.
The incident involved JetBlue Flight 948, an Airbus A321 arriving from Las Vegas, which reported the suspected collision at approximately 7:15 a.m. local time. According to air traffic control communications, the pilot told controllers: “We collided with a drone back there in the turn. It hit us right above the cockpit.”
Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft was flying at approximately 3,000 feet near Sea Bright, New Jersey, around 10 to 12 miles from JFK, when the reported strike occurred. The aircraft landed safely about six minutes later.
Following the landing, inspections conducted by JetBlue and the FAA found no evidence of damage to the aircraft.
“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations,” the airline said in a statement.
The FAA has not confirmed that a drone struck the aircraft and continues to investigate the incident. If verified, it would be among the first documented collisions between a drone and a commercial passenger aircraft in the United States.
Recent drone incidents
The reported strike follows another drone-related incident near a major U.S. airport. On Friday, a United Airlines flight approaching Newark Liberty International Airport reported a near miss after the crew observed a drone passing approximately 100 feet below the aircraft.
Authorities have also stepped up enforcement around major public events. According to the Transportation Security Administration, more than 300 drones have been seized near FIFA World Cup venues since the tournament began on June 11. The FAA said it is unclear whether the reported JFK incident is connected to those enforcement efforts.
The agency receives more than 100 reports each month of drones operating near U.S. airports, highlighting ongoing concerns about unauthorized flights in controlled airspace.
Questions over accountability
While the investigation will determine whether the aircraft was struck by a drone, the incident also highlights broader questions surrounding accountability when unauthorized drones operate near commercial aircraft.
If a drone operator cannot be identified, the financial burden of any damage or disruption would typically fall to the airline and its insurers. Although regulations prohibit unauthorized drone operations near airports, identifying the responsible operator can be difficult, particularly if the aircraft involved is not recovered.
Regulators in both the United States and Canada are advancing measures such as Remote ID requirements and updated drone regulations, while also expanding capabilities to address unauthorized drone activity near airports and other sensitive locations.
RELATED CONTENT: 6 reasons airports still struggle with drone threats
Post Image Credit: Brandon Karaca via Unsplash
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