Two separate incidents involving unmanned aircraft were reported near John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Monday morning.
One involved a JetBlue Airways flight reporting a collision with a drone, and another involved a helicopter pilot reporting a near miss with a remote-controlled aircraft. Both aircraft landed safely without reported damage.
JetBlue Flight Reports Drone Collision
At approximately 7:15 a.m. on Monday, a JetBlue Airways flight arriving from Las Vegas reported a collision with a drone while on final approach to JFK.
The pilot informed air traffic control that the drone struck "right above the cockpit" at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet. The pilot stated that no assistance was needed, and the aircraft landed safely. Passengers deplaned without incident.
The aircraft was removed from service for inspection. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and JetBlue conducted inspections and reported finding no evidence of a strike or damage. The FAA will investigate the incident.
In a statement, JetBlue said: "Safety is JetBlue's first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations."
Helicopter Pilot Reports Near Miss
Later on Monday, a helicopter pilot reported a near collision with a large remote-controlled airplane near JFK, according to 911 audio.
The pilot stated the incident occurred at an altitude of 500 feet near Floyd Bennett Field. The FAA confirmed it has been notified and has contacted local authorities but is not investigating at this time.
Regulatory Context and Reporting
Unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal under FAA regulations.
Drones are generally permitted to fly below 400 feet but must avoid airport airspace. The FAA receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports each month.
Interfering with an aircraft operation is a federal crime, with penalties that can include fines of up to $100,000, criminal charges, or jail time. The FBI encourages reporting unsafe drone flights to 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Related Incidents
These events follow a similar reported near-miss involving a United Airlines pilot at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday.