United Airlines Jet Nearly Collides With Drone During Landing at Newark Airport

A United Airlines passenger jet narrowly avoided a collision with a drone during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport, according to reports from the flight crew. The incident has prompted a federal investigation and renewed scrutiny over unauthorized drone activity near major commercial airports.

The flight crew reported spotting the unmanned aircraft at close range as the plane descended toward the runway. According to the account relayed to air traffic controllers, the drone passed within a dangerously short distance of the aircraft. No injuries were reported, and the plane landed safely with all passengers and crew unharmed.

What Happened During the Approach

The United Airlines flight was on a standard approach into Newark when the pilots observed the drone in their flight path. The crew immediately notified air traffic control of the sighting. Audio communications between the cockpit and the tower captured the moment the pilots described the object and its proximity to the aircraft.

We almost hit a drone

Said the pilot, describing the object as roughly 3 feet wide, and

about 100 feet below us.

Newark Liberty International Airport ranks among the busiest airports in the United States, handling thousands of flights and millions of passengers each year. The airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines, which operates a significant portion of its East Coast operations from the New Jersey facility.

Federal Authorities Open Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating the incident. Operating a drone near an airport without authorization violates federal regulations and can result in substantial fines and criminal charges. 

The agency has worked alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation in similar cases, particularly when drones interfere with commercial aviation. Identifying the operator of an unauthorized drone often proves difficult, as many consumer drones lack reliable tracking systems that broadcast their location to authorities.

A Growing Pattern of Drone Incidents

Reports of drones flying near commercial aircraft have increased sharply in recent years. The FAA receives more than 100 drone sighting reports each month from pilots, air traffic controllers, and law enforcement officials across the country. Many of these sightings occur near major airports during takeoff and landing phases of flight, when aircraft are most vulnerable to collisions.

Aviation safety experts have long warned about the potential consequences of a drone striking a commercial airliner. A collision could damage critical components such as engines, windshields, or control surfaces. Engineers and researchers have conducted tests showing that even small drones can cause significant damage on impact due to the relative speeds involved.

The risk extends beyond the aircraft itself. A drone ingested into a jet engine could cause an engine failure during a critical phase of flight. Drones striking cockpit windshields could injure pilots or compromise their ability to control the aircraft.

Industry Response and Safety Measures

Airlines and airports have invested in detection technology designed to identify unauthorized drones operating in restricted airspace. Some facilities have deployed radar systems and radio frequency detectors capable of locating drones and, in some cases, their operators. However, the technology remains imperfect, and enforcement continues to lag behind the proliferation of consumer drones.

The FAA has implemented a remote identification rule requiring most drones to broadcast identifying information during flight. The regulation aims to help authorities track down operators who violate airspace restrictions. Compliance varies, and older drones without the required technology continue to operate in many areas.

What Comes Next

Investigators will review radar data, communications between the flight crew and air traffic control, and any available video or witness accounts to piece together the sequence of events. If they identify the drone operator, that person could face federal charges and significant financial penalties.

For now, the incident serves as another reminder of the challenges facing aviation authorities as drone use continues to expand. Passengers on the United flight reached their destination safely, but the close call adds to a growing list of incidents that have aviation officials and pilots increasingly concerned.