JetBlue plane hits drone at 3,000 feet before touching down at JFK — just days after scare at Newark
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A JetBlue Airlines pilot reported smashing into a drone at 3,000 feet before landing at John F. Kennedy Airport Monday morning, according to the airline, aviation officials, and local reports.
The startling incident unfolded around 7:15 a.m. when the pilot reported a rogue drone struck above the jet’s cockpit while the plane was making its final approach — just days after a United Airlines jet narrowly avoided colliding with an unmanned aircraft while landing at Newark International Airport.
“We collided with a drone back there in the turn as we were coming to ASALT, just wanted to pass to you,” the JetBlue pilot told an air traffic controller in audio obtained by WABC. ASALT is a specific waypoint used by a landing aircraft.
The pilot said no assistance was needed and the Airbus A321 — which took off from Las Vegas — landed safely.
“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 collision,” a spokesperson for JetBlue told The Post in a statement.
“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations.”
The FAA will investigate the reported collision.
The federal agency receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports each month, which can cause dangerous consequences.
Unauthorized operators are subject to fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time.
Monday’s incident comes after a United Airlines Boeing 737 carrying 106 passengers and five crew members from Key West, Florida, came within feet of a drone during its descent at the New Jersey airport Friday afternoon.
“We almost hit a drone,” the pilot can be heard saying in air traffic control audio verified by CNN.
The circular, 3-foot-wide device was only “about 100 feet below us.”
Another pilot flying into Newark on a separate plane also reported seeing the drone at roughly 2,000 feet, additional audio shows.