Key facts
- A JetBlue pilot reported hitting a drone while approaching JFK airport.
- The incident occurred at an altitude of 3,000 feet.
- The aircraft landed safely, and a post-flight inspection found no damage.
- The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident.
- Unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal and dangerous.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation after a JetBlue flight reported striking a drone while on final approach to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday. The pilot of the Airbus A321, en route from Las Vegas, reported the encounter at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet around 7:15 a.m. EDT. Despite the reported collision, the flight landed without incident, and a subsequent inspection revealed no damage or evidence of a strike. JetBlue emphasized its commitment to safety and cooperation with the investigation. This incident follows a similar drone encounter involving a United Airlines flight near Newark Liberty International Airport days earlier. The FAA has issued advisories warning that drones should not fly near airports, as they are difficult for pilots to see and avoid, and that unauthorized operators face penalties.