FAA Investigates Reported Drone Strike on United Airlines Flight Near San Diego
United airline's pilot reports drone strike, triggers FAA investigation near San Diego
The Economic Times
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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a reported drone strike involving United Airlines Flight 1980, which was approaching San Diego International Airport. The incident raises concerns about the safety of commercial air traffic in areas where unmanned aircraft operate, particularly as the flight crew reported contact with a drone at around 3,000 feet.
- 01A United Airlines flight reported a possible drone strike while approaching San Diego International Airport.
- 02The incident occurred at approximately 3,000 feet, exceeding legal altitudes for recreational drones.
- 03The flight landed safely with no visible damage to the aircraft.
- 04The FAA is conducting an investigation into the reported incident.
- 05Concerns are rising about the risks posed by drones in controlled airspace near airports.
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On Wednesday morning, the pilot of United Airlines Flight 1980, a Boeing 737 traveling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to San Diego International Airport (SAN), reported a potential drone strike while descending toward San Diego. The flight crew indicated that they believed the aircraft made contact with a small, red drone at approximately 3,000 feet, which is above the legal altitude for recreational drones. The FAA confirmed it is investigating the incident, which raises significant safety concerns regarding unmanned aircraft in commercial airspace. Fortunately, the flight landed safely with 48 passengers and 6 crew members onboard, and a post-flight inspection revealed no visible damage to the aircraft. The FAA has not yet confirmed whether any object was recovered or what exactly occurred during the encounter.
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This incident highlights the growing concerns over drone operations near commercial airports, which could affect the safety of air travel and lead to stricter regulations.
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