A JetBlue flight crew reported a possible drone strike while the aircraft was making its final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday morning, federal officials said.
The report involved JetBlue Airlines Flight 948, which had traveled to New York from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Early information provided to officials indicated the possible encounter happened at roughly 3,000 feet.
“The pilot of JetBlue Airlines Flight 948 reported striking a drone at approximately 3,000 feet altitude while on final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport around 7:15 a.m. local time on Monday,” the FAA said.
Unauthorized drone operations near airports are prohibited under FAA rules. (John Stillwell/PA Images via Getty Images)
JetBlue told News Agency that the crew had “reported a possible drone encounter during the aircraft’s final approach into New York.”
The aircraft landed safely, passengers exited normally, and the plane was taken out of service so it could undergo a post-flight inspection, the airline said.
Both JetBlue and the FAA said that inspection found no damage to the aircraft and no evidence confirming a collision.
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A JetBlue aircraft makes its way from the terminal at JFK International Airport in New York on Feb. 19, 2007. (Keith Bedford)
“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations,” JetBlue said.
The FAA will investigate the incident.
A pedestrian makes his way to the e-ticket counter of JetBlue at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Feb. 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
According to the agency, unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal, but reports of “unmanned aircraft (UAS) sightings from pilots, citizens and law enforcement remain high.”
Operators who violate FAA regulations may face significant civil penalties and criminal charges, including possible jail time.
