A pilot has reported that his aircraft suffered a minor collision with a drone while approaching to land in New York today (June 29).
The JetBlue Airways pilot stated the aircraft struck a drone as the flight was descending towards John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport at approximately 7:15am (US time).
The pilot reported the drone made contact with a section just above the cockpit while the aircraft was at 3,000ft. Despite this, the pilot confirmed to air traffic control they were able to continue landing without requiring assistance.
The pilot informed air traffic control: “We collided with a drone back there in the turn as we were coming to ASALT, just wanted to pass to you.”
Following a safe landing, the aircraft underwent an inspection. The post-flight examination found no damage to the plane as a result of the incident, reports the Daily Star.
View 2 ImagesThe JetBlue pilot said the drone hit the plane just above the cockpit (file)(Image: Eliyahu Parypa via Getty Images)
JFK International Airport has been amongst the major US airports receiving World Cup visitors, with New York serving as a host city for the tournament.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it will investigate the incident. No information regarding the drone type has been released at this stage.
This incident follows just days after a United Airlines pilot reported a similar occurrence while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport.
On Friday (June 26), the pilot reported spotting a drone in the vicinity, though it did not strike the aircraft, the pilot informed air traffic control. According to ABC reports, a pilot from another airline had also spotted what appeared to be a small drone flying in the vicinity earlier in the day.
Both planes touched down without incident.
United Airlines released a statement saying: “United flight 1513 reported a potential drone sighting prior to arriving in Newark. The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate.”
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