Federal officials have reported that a JetBlue flight collided with a drone while descending towards John F. Kennedy International Airport for a landing on Monday morning.
The aircraft involved in the incident was JetBlue Airlines Flight 948, which had taken off from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Initial findings suggest that the airplane encountered the drone at an elevation of roughly 3,000 feet.
“The pilot of JetBlue Airlines Flight 948 reported a collision with a drone at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet while making the final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport at about 7:15 a.m. local time on Monday,” stated the FAA.
Operating drones illegally near airports is prohibited under FAA regulations. (. John Stillwell/PA Images via Getty Images)
JetBlue told News Media that the crew “reported a possible drone encounter during the aircraft’s final approach into New York.”
The flight landed without incident, customers deplaned normally, and the aircraft was removed from service for a post-flight inspection, JetBlue said.
JetBlue and FAA officials both said the post-flight inspection did not reveal any damage to the aircraft or evidence of a collision.
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.