Terrifying moment plane carrying 106 passengers 'almost hits drone' while landing

On June 29, 2026, two separate incidents involving commercial flights and drones occurred in the northeastern United States, sparking immediate concern and prompting investigations by aviation authorities. In one case, a JetBlue flight en route to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport reportedly collided with a drone during its descent. In another, an United Airlines flight coming into Newark Liberty International Airport narrowly avoided a drone, coming within approximately 100 feet of the object. Both incidents highlight the increasing frequency of drone-related encounters near major airports and raise questions about the effectiveness of current regulations governing unmanned aerial vehicles.

The JetBlue incident took place early in the morning when Flight B9-948, traveling from Las Vegas, was descending toward JFK Airport. According to audio recordings obtained from air traffic control communications, the pilot informed controllers that the aircraft had collided with a drone during a turn shortly before landing. The pilot specifically stated, “We collided with a drone back there in the turn,” and confirmed that the drone struck the area above the cockpit. The flight was at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet at the time of the alleged collision. Despite the pilot’s account, JetBlue conducted an inspection of the Airbus A321 aircraft following the incident and found no visible damage or evidence of a collision. The plane continued its approach and landed safely on Runway 13L, allowing all 150 passengers and crew to disembark without incident. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety and pledged cooperation with ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, a similar situation unfolded earlier in the day at Newark Liberty International Airport. An United Airlines flight, number 1513, departing from Key West, Florida, encountered a drone during its final approach. Air traffic control recordings captured the pilot stating, “We almost hit a drone,” describing the object as circular, about three feet in diameter, and located approximately 100 feet below the aircraft. The Boeing 737, carrying 106 passengers and five crew members, landed safely later that afternoon. United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the flight had reported a potential drone sighting before arrival and that all passengers deplaned normally. Shortly afterward, another pilot flying into Newark also reported spotting a drone at around 2,000 feet, further underscoring the prevalence of such occurrences.

Both incidents have drawn attention from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has initiated investigations into each case. The FAA regularly receives over 100 monthly reports of unauthorized drone activity near airports, indicating a persistent challenge in enforcing airspace restrictions. Drones are legally prohibited from operating in controlled airspace without proper authorization, and violators can face severe penalties, including fines, loss of licenses, or confiscation of their equipment. These measures aim to mitigate risks posed by drones, particularly in areas where commercial aircraft operate.

The rise in drone-related incidents has prompted increased scrutiny of both recreational and commercial drone use. While drones offer numerous benefits, such as enhanced surveillance and photography capabilities, their misuse poses serious safety hazards. Officials have expressed particular concern regarding the potential for distraction among law enforcement personnel, who must remain vigilant against multiple threats simultaneously. Additionally, the impact of drones in conflict zones, such as those seen in the Ukraine and Iran wars, has heightened awareness of their destructive potential, influencing regulatory approaches in civilian contexts.

As investigations continue, aviation authorities are likely to review existing protocols for managing drone activity near airports. This includes evaluating the efficacy of current detection systems, enhancing communication channels between pilots and air traffic control, and potentially expanding enforcement efforts against unauthorized drone operations. The outcomes of these inquiries could lead to new guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of future encounters between aircraft and drones, ensuring the continued safety of air travel.