dailyloe.com – A United Airlines pilot reported a possible drone encounter while approaching San Diego International Airport on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred as United flight 1980, which departed from San Francisco International Airport at 6:53 a.m., was landing at 8:28 a.m.
During the approach, the pilot informed the airport tower that the aircraft may have collided with a drone at approximately 3,000 feet. The pilot described the incident occurring on the “base leg” of the flight, a phase when the plane prepares to land.
In recordings of the conversation, the air traffic controller inquired about the drone’s size and characteristics. The pilot stated, “It was so small I couldn’t tell. It was red … it was shiny.” Earlier, the pilot had asked air traffic control if any drones were in the vicinity.
The controller responded, “Not that I’m aware,” to which the pilot reported seeing a small red object about 1,000 feet below the aircraft. Following this report, air traffic control alerted other pilots in the area, but no additional sightings were confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The flight carried 48 passengers and six crew members, landing safely at San Diego International Airport. The FAA is currently investigating the incident.
According to FAA regulations, drone operators are prohibited from flying drones above 400 feet without authorization. They must also avoid restricted airspace, particularly around airports.
It remains unclear whether the drone actually collided with the aircraft. United Airlines stated that their maintenance team found no damage after inspecting the aircraft. The flight departed San Diego at 10:16 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive in Houston later on Wednesday.
