Drone encounters near Newark and JFK airports trigger FAA probes
United Airlines reported a near-miss with a small drone while its Boeing 737 was descending into Newark Liberty International Airport, according to Yahoo. The aircraft, carrying 106 passengers, observed the drone about 100 feet below and landed safely. The Federal Aviation Administration opened an investigation following the crew’s report. A JetBlue Airways flight approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport struck an unauthorized drone at roughly 3,000 feet, ABC News reported.
The aircraft continued its descent and landed without damage, and a post-flight inspection found no issues. The FAA likewise launched an investigation into the incident, as noted by The New York Times. A helicopter pilot said a remote-controlled aircraft came within close proximity of his helicopter near Floyd Bennett Field, ABC7 reported. This was the second such drone sighting reported in the area, and authorities continued to investigate related drone activity at New York airports. The incident added to the series of recent drone encounters prompting ongoing FAA scrutiny.
