CRIME & LAW

New York JetBlue jet reports suspected drone strike

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NEW YORK — A JetBlue Airways Airbus A321 arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport from Las Vegas reported a suspected collision with a drone while on final approach on Monday morning, prompting a federal investigation. The pilot of Flight 948 told air traffic controllers that something struck the aircraft “right above the cockpit” at an altitude of about 3,000 feet as the jet turned onto its final approach to Runway 13L at around 7:15 a.m. local time. Despite the reported impact, the aircraft, which can carry up to 220 passengers, continued its approach and landed safely at 7:21 a.m. without requesting extra assistance from the tower. JetBlue said customers deplaned normally and that the aircraft was taken out of service for a post-flight inspection, which found no damage or physical evidence of a collision. The airline said safety remains its first priority and that it will assist regulators with any inquiries. The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the report, which comes amid a rise in drone-related incidents near major aviation hubs and follows FBI reports of more than 1,000 drone detections at World Cup sites. Authorities say the probe will focus on how a drone may have entered restricted airspace around JFK and on identifying any operator involved.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Monday morning Pilot reports suspected drone impact
7:15 a.m. Aircraft on final approach, 3,000 feet
7:21 a.m. JetBlue A321 lands safely
Shortly after landing Passengers deplane without incident
Same day JetBlue conducts post-flight inspection
Same day Inspection finds no collision evidence
Same day FAA confirms opening formal investigation
Recently FBI reports over 1,000 drone detections

Why This Matters to You

This incident highlights the growing issue of drones near major airports. For your safety, it's crucial to know the rules around drone usage. If you own a drone, make sure you're not flying it in restricted areas.

The Bottom Line

While no damage was found, this incident is a reminder of potential risks posed by drones in restricted airspace. It's worth knowing that the FAA takes these reports seriously. If you're a frequent flyer or drone enthusiast, share this to keep others informed.