On Monday morning, a JetBlue pilot reported what he believed to be a drone strike while preparing the aircraft for landing, a revelation captured on an air traffic audio recording.
The unsettling occurrence took place as JetBlue Flight 948, having left from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, was nearing its destination at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The pilot’s voice, recorded by LiveATC, can be heard stating, “We collided with a drone back there in the turn.”
In response, the air traffic controller queried, “You said you collided?”
An earlier image of a JetBlue plane departing from Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida, was captured on February 7, 2025. (Photo by Greg Lovett for Palm Beach Post/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
“Yep, it is right above the cockpit,” he responded.
The reported encounter occurred as the aircraft was beginning its final approach sequence, about 10 to 12 miles out from JFK at roughly 3,000 feet.
The pilot said the incident specifically happened near the ASALT waypoint, a navigational checkpoint where aircraft typically line up to land.
A drone approaches an air traffic control tower at Flesland Airport in Bergen, Norway, on Oct. 19, 2022. (Marit Hommedal/NTB Scanpix)
“It was as we were making the turn to ASALT, so about 10 miles to 12 miles outside of ASALT. We were coming over that part of land in New Jersey,” the pilot said.
When asked by air traffic control whether assistance was needed, the crew declined.
“We don’t need any assistance, we’re just going to go ahead and land,” the pilot said.
At the end of the exchange, the controller acknowledged the message, responding, “Roger, thank you.”
“Sorry, I couldn’t give you any more details than that,” the pilot added.
A JetBlue pilot reported a possible drone strike near JFK airport on June 29, 2026, according to audio recordings. (iStock)
According to JetBlue, the flight landed without incident and passengers deplaned normally.
A post-flight inspection also did not reveal any damage to the aircraft, officials said.
“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations,” the airline said in a statement to News Media.
The FAA said the agency will investigate the incident.