JetBlue flight reports drone strike near JFK, FAA investigates
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A JetBlue flight reportedly crashed into a drone while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport for landing Monday morning, according to federal authorities.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident involved JetBlue Airlines Flight 948 departing from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Initial reports indicate that the aircraft hit the drone at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet.
“The pilot of JetBlue Airways Flight 948 reported striking a drone at approximately 10,000 feet on final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport at approximately 7:15 a.m. local time on Monday,” the FAA said. he said.
FAA TEMPORARILY RESTRICTS DRONE FLIGHTS IN NEW YORK OVER CONCERNS ABOUT RECENTLY REPORTED SIGHTINGS
Unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal under FAA regulations. (.John Stillwell/PA Images via Getty Images)
JetBlue told Fox News Digital that the crew “reported a possible drone encounter during the aircraft’s final approach to New York.”
JetBlue said the plane landed without incident, customers disembarked normally and the plane was taken out of service for post-flight inspection.
JetBlue and FAA officials said a post-flight inspection revealed no signs of damage or collision to the plane.
‘DRONE’ IMAGES IN THE NORTHEAST ARE ‘BASED’ PANIC ACCORDING TO THE EXPERT
A JetBlue flight takes off from the JFK International Airport terminal in New York on February 19, 2007. (Keith Bedford)
“Safety is JetBlue’s top priority and we will assist with any related investigation,” JetBlue said.
The FAA will investigate the incident.
A pedestrian walks towards the JetBlue e-ticket counter at New York LaGuardia Airport on February 1, 2006. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)
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Unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal, according to the agency, but “reports of unmanned aircraft (UAS) sightings by pilots, citizens, and law enforcement remain high.”
Operators who violate FAA regulations may face significant civil penalties and criminal charges, including possible prison time.
