The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a potential drone strike near the San Diego International Airport involving an inbound United Airlines flight.
According to United Airlines, after departing San Francisco early Wednesday morning, UA Flight 180 struck the drone at an altitude of approximately 3000 feet prior to a scheduled landing in San Diego.
The plane had departed SFO around 6:53 a.m., and was scheduled to arrive in San Diego around 8:30 a.m.
But the flight literally ran into an unexpected obstacle while in the sky, as described by the pilot in audio recorded from inside the cockpit.
“We hit a drone, probably around 3,000 feet,” the pilot can be heard saying to air traffic control. “Around on our base leg … red drone, heading west.”
When asked to describe the drone, the pilot was unable to give a clear description other than its color and that it appeared to be shiny. According to KTLA, there were no further drone sightings in the area.
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The FAA released a statement to the media Wednesday confirming it was investigating a potential drone strike near the San Diego airport.
“The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate,” the statement reads in part. FAA crews then conducted a “thorough” inspection of the aircraft for potential damages, the FAA said.
The Boeing 737 MAX 9 plane apparently avoided any serious damage, and it departed San Diego less than two hours later en route to Houston, Texas. From Houston, it flew to Austin, Texas, later that evening.
Drones continue to be headache for aviation authorities
Illegal and unlawful drone operation has continued to be an inconvenience for the FAA, as well as the FBI
Earlier this month, the FBI announced it was cracking down on illegal drone use outside Coors Field in Denver, home of the Colorado Rockies.
Thanks to the “SAFER SKIES” act, authorities have access to various “counter-drone tools” to detect illegal drone activity deemed to be a potential threat to the public, particularly around popular gathering spots like sports stadiums and concert venues. The law allows for local, state and federal agencies to track, disable or even destroy drones that are in violation of temporary flight restrictions.
Drone operators are encouraged to check active flight restrictions using a B4UFLY (Before You Fly) service provider that is approved by the FAA. The tools provide realtime or near-realtime information on restricted airspace.
Most drones flying in U.S. airspace are also required to broadcast a remote ID; failure to broadcast or disabling the remote ID could result in hefty penalties.
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Personal drones are typically restricted from flying above an altitude of 400 feet without special approval, and are strictly prohibited from flying in protected airspaces like those surrounding airports and military bases.
The FBI encourages anyone who is at a major event and sees unsafe or unauthorized drone activity to immediately call 911, local law enforcement or the FBI tip line at 1-900-225-5352. Tips to the FBI can also be submitted online.
According to local media reports, there were no injuries reported among the 48 passengers and six crew members aboard United Airlines flight 1980.
Rabble News reached out to United Airlines for comment after hours and we are currently awaiting response.
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