FAA Investigates Potential Drone Collision with JetBlue Plane
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into a reported incident involving a JetBlue flight and a drone while it was approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
On Monday morning, the pilot of JetBlue Flight 948 announced that the aircraft experienced a possible collision as it made its final approach. According to FAA statements, the drone struck the plane just above the cockpit at approximately 3,000 feet.
“We collided with a drone back there in the turn… just wanted to pass this along,” the pilot informed an air traffic controller.
JetBlue later confirmed that the flight landed safely without any issues, and upon inspection, the aircraft showed no signs of damage. The airline reassured passengers that everything proceeded normally.
“Customers deplaned normally, and the plane was taken out of service for a post-flight inspection. No damage or evidence of a collision was found,” JetBlue said. “Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will cooperate fully with any investigations.”
In a statement, the FAA noted that the pilot of Flight 948, en route from Las Vegas to New York, reported the drone encounter shortly before landing. A thorough inspection revealed no issues.
“The crew reported a possible drone encounter during the final approach into New York. The flight landed without incident, and the plane was inspected with no evidence found,” JetBlue reiterated. “Safety remains our top priority, and we are ready to aid in the investigation.”
This event is particularly noteworthy as it could represent the first known incident involving a U.S. commercial passenger plane and a drone. The FAA typically receives over 100 reports each month regarding unauthorized drone sightings near airports, which can lead to significant penalties, including fines or potential criminal charges.
Overall, the regulatory body is keen on ensuring that safety protocols are followed to avoid future occurrences. The investigation is ongoing, and more information may come to light.
