A United Airlines pilot reported a near-collision with a drone while landing a passenger jet at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday [1].
This incident highlights the growing risk posed by unmanned aircraft systems in high-traffic corridors. Such encounters can jeopardize passenger safety and disrupt air traffic operations at one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
The pilot warned air-traffic control after the drone entered the aircraft's landing path [1]. During the encounter, the pilot said, "We almost hit a drone" [1]. The pilot said the object was circular and roughly three feet wide [1].
Another United pilot also observed the device during the event. That pilot said they saw the small drone a couple of thousand feet in the air [2].
Flight crews are trained to maintain vigilance during the critical phases of flight, including descent and landing. The presence of a three-foot-wide object [1] in a landing path creates a significant hazard for jet engines and airframes.
Newark Liberty International Airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines. The reporting of this event allows aviation authorities to investigate the origin of the drone and assess potential security breaches in the restricted airspace surrounding the airport [3].
Authorities typically investigate these incidents to determine if the drone was operated intentionally or accidentally within the airport's controlled zone [1].
“"We almost hit a drone."”
This near-miss underscores the persistent challenge federal aviation authorities face in policing 'drone-free' zones around major airports. As consumer and commercial drone technology becomes more accessible, the risk of incursions into controlled airspace increases, necessitating more advanced detection and mitigation tools to prevent catastrophic mid-air collisions.
