Drone nearly hits United plane landing in Newark, pilot says
Drone Near-Miss Incident: United Airlines Plane Evades Collision in Newark
Emergency Close Call During Landing at Newark Liberty International Airport
Drone nearly hits United plane landing – On Friday, a United Airlines passenger jet experienced a harrowing near-collision with a drone as it approached Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. According to the pilot, the incident occurred during the final stages of the landing approach, with the drone appearing unexpectedly in the aircraft’s path. The pilot’s voice was captured in air traffic control audio, which CNN verified, confirming the emergency situation. The drone was described as a circular object approximately three feet in diameter, hovering just 100 feet below the plane at the critical moment.
“We almost hit a drone,” the pilot said in the audio recording, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The statement highlights the growing concern of drone activity near commercial aviation routes, particularly during high-traffic periods at major airports.
The Boeing 737, which was carrying 106 passengers and five crew members, managed to land safely at about 5:30 p.m. United Airlines released a statement to CNN, noting that the incident did not disrupt the normal operations of the airport. Travelers exited the plane at the gate as usual, with no immediate reports of injuries or panic among the passengers. The airline has since begun reviewing its safety protocols in light of the event, though no additional details have been disclosed.
Secondary Report Confirms Drone Activity in Newark Airspace
Independently, another United Express flight operated by GoJet Airlines also reported a drone sighting while descending into Newark. The pilot described the drone as visible at an altitude of roughly 2,000 feet, a height typically occupied by commercial aircraft during approach. This second account, corroborated by ATC audio from the same timeframe, underscores the frequency of such encounters in the region.
“The drone was in the vicinity of our flight path,” the GoJet pilot stated in the recording, adding that the object remained undetected until the final moments of the approach. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current drone detection systems and the need for enhanced measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the increasing number of drone-related near-misses near U.S. airports. According to the agency, there are approximately 100 drone sightings reported each month in controlled airspace. However, the FAA maintains strict regulations prohibiting drones from operating in areas where manned aircraft are active without prior authorization. The incident in Newark serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by unregulated drone activity, especially in high-density airspaces.
FAA Regulations and Drone Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
While the FAA’s rules are designed to minimize risks, the recent event has sparked renewed debate about their adequacy. The agency requires operators to obtain permission before flying drones in controlled airspace, yet it appears that the drone involved in this incident may have violated those guidelines. This raises concerns about enforcement and the potential for drones to encroach on critical flight paths.
Experts suggest that the rapid proliferation of drones has outpaced existing safety measures. With the rise in consumer and commercial drone use, incidents like this are becoming more common. The FAA has been working to update its guidelines, including stricter altitude limits and enhanced monitoring systems, but challenges remain in ensuring compliance. The Newark near-miss highlights the importance of integrating drone traffic into the broader air traffic network.
Investigations and Responses from Airport Authorities
CNN has contacted the FAA, GoJet Airlines, and Newark Liberty International Airport to gather further insights into the incident. United Airlines’ statement emphasized the safety of the landing process, though it did not specify whether the drone was identified or its origin. The airport authorities are likely reviewing their procedures for monitoring drone activity in the vicinity of the runway, particularly during the evening hours when such incidents are more frequent.
Passenger accounts and flight data will be crucial in determining the cause of the near-collision. Investigators may explore whether the drone was operated by a recreational pilot, a commercial entity, or a malfunctioning device. The FAA has also been urged to increase penalties for violations of airspace rules, as this incident could have had catastrophic consequences.
United Airlines has expressed its commitment to passenger safety, stating that the drone’s presence did not affect the aircraft’s ability to land. However, the incident has prompted a closer look at the intersection of drone technology and aviation safety. As drones become more prevalent, the FAA and airport operators must collaborate to develop robust strategies for mitigating risks.
Broader Implications for Drone Regulation and Airspace Management
The Newark drone incident is part of a larger trend of collisions and close calls between drones and manned aircraft. In recent months, similar events have occurred at airports across the country, prompting calls for stricter regulations and better coordination between drone operators and air traffic controllers. The FAA has introduced new guidelines, including a requirement for drones to be registered and equipped with identification systems, but compliance remains a challenge.
Technological advancements such as automatic collision avoidance systems and real-time tracking tools are being explored to address these risks. However, until these systems are widely implemented, pilots and air traffic controllers must rely on traditional methods to detect and respond to potential threats. The incident serves as a critical case study for evaluating the effectiveness of current protocols and identifying areas for improvement.
As the aviation industry adapts to the rise of drone technology, incidents like this will continue to shape policy and safety standards. The FAA’s role in balancing innovation with safety is essential, and the Newark near-miss underscores the need for vigilance in managing shared airspace. United Airlines, GoJet, and the airport are expected to provide more details in the coming days, offering further clarity on the circumstances of the event.
Public Reaction and Calls for Action
The incident has generated concern among both passengers and aviation professionals. Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions about drone safety, with many users sharing their experiences of close encounters with unmanned aircraft. Some have called for immediate action, such as the creation of drone exclusion zones around airports or the implementation of stricter penalties for violations.
Aviation experts warn that without proactive measures, the risk of drone-aircraft collisions could increase significantly. They recommend increased public awareness campaigns to educate drone operators on the importance of following airspace rules. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies, such as geofencing and remote identification, could provide an extra layer of protection for commercial flights.
As the FAA and other regulatory bodies work to address these challenges, the aviation industry remains on high alert. The Newark incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by drones in shared airspace and the need for continuous improvement in safety measures. United Airlines and GoJet have been praised for their quick response and ability to ensure a safe landing, but the event has ignited a broader conversation about the future of drone regulations in the United States.
In conclusion, the near-miss between the United Airlines jet and the drone in Newark highlights the critical importance of maintaining strict airspace management practices. While the incident was resolved without major consequences, it has emphasized the need for greater oversight and technology to prevent similar events. As drones become an integral part of the aviation landscape, their safe operation will remain a top priority for regulators and airlines alike.