A United Airlines Boeing 737 reported a near-miss with a drone while descending for landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday [1, 3].
The incident highlights the growing safety risks posed by unauthorized unmanned aircraft in controlled airspace near major transportation hubs. Such encounters can jeopardize hundreds of passengers and crew members during the most critical phases of flight.
United Flight 1513 was arriving from Key West, Florida, when the crew spotted the device [3]. The aircraft was carrying 106 passengers [1]. According to the pilot, the encounter occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. EDT [1, 2].
"We almost hit a drone," the pilot said [1].
The pilot further described the proximity of the object during the descent. "The aircraft was about 100 feet above the drone when we saw it," the pilot said [2].
Federal aviation officials have launched an investigation into the event [3]. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is working to determine the operator of the drone and whether the flight violated federal laws regarding airspace restrictions around airports.
Operating a drone in the path of a commercial airliner creates a severe hazard, potentially leading to engine ingestion or cockpit window strikes. The FAA maintains strict regulations prohibiting the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems in controlled airspace without prior authorization.
“"We almost hit a drone."”
This incident underscores the persistent challenge aviation authorities face in policing 'dark' drones that penetrate restricted airport corridors. As drone technology becomes more accessible, the risk of mid-air collisions increases, necessitating more advanced detection and mitigation systems to protect commercial flight paths.
