Air traffic control audio has captured the moment a United Airlines pilot reported a possible collision with a drone while descending towards San Diego International Airport. The incident occurred on Wednesday, 29 April, involving United Flight 1980, which was carrying 48 passengers and six crew members.
Details of the Incident
The pilot described striking a small, 'shiny, red' drone hovering at approximately 3,000 feet. The drone was reportedly too small to identify its specific model or number of engines. Despite the collision, the aircraft landed safely, and all passengers disembarked without incident.
Aircraft Inspection
A thorough inspection by the airline's maintenance team confirmed that the aircraft sustained no damage. The flight continued to operate normally after the incident.
This event highlights ongoing concerns about drone safety near airports, as unauthorized drones pose a risk to commercial aviation. The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified and is investigating the incident.
