A United Airlines flight carrying 106 passengers and five crew members experienced a terrifying near-collision with a drone while descending toward Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Friday. The incident occurred around 4:20 p.m. as the Boeing 737 completed its journey from Key West, Florida. The close encounter, captured in air traffic control recordings, highlights the growing dangers of unauthorized drone activity near major airports.

“We almost hit a drone,” the pilot reported, describing the device as circular, approximately three feet wide, and flying “about 100 feet below us.”

The aircraft, identified as United flight 1513, flew at approximately 2,300 feet during the encounter. At the same time, another pilot operating a United Express flight run by GoJet Airlines reported spotting a drone at roughly 2,000 feet while approaching the same airport. The second sighting suggests the unauthorized drone operator maintained the device at dangerous altitudes for an extended period, significantly increasing collision risks.

Federal Investigation Launched Into Unauthorized Drone Activity

The Federal Aviation Administration announced it would investigate the incident. United Airlines confirmed the event in a statement to media outlets, noting that the flight landed safely and passengers deplaned normally at the gate. The airline emphasized that crew members followed all standard protocols during the approach despite the unexpected obstacle in their flight path.

The FAA receives more than 100 reports of drones near airports each month, demonstrating the widespread nature of this aviation safety challenge. Through March this year, pilots reported 319 drone sightings, though only eight required evasive action. Despite the frequency of reports, actual collisions remain rare, with just one confirmed crash involving a drone on a runway at San Carlos Airport in California.

Flying drones near airplanes, helicopters, and airports is both dangerous and illegal, according to federal authorities. Unauthorized operators face fines, criminal charges, and possible jail time if caught violating airspace restrictions around commercial airports.

Why Small Drones Pose Catastrophic Risks to Aircraft

The drone described by the pilots was relatively small at three feet in diameter. Aviation experts warn that even compact unmanned devices can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with aircraft at high speeds. A collision at the critical stage of landing could destroy one of the plane’s engines or smash through cockpit windscreens, potentially injuring pilots and compromising aircraft control.

The proximity of Newark Airport to East Rutherford, New Jersey, located about 15 miles away, adds complexity to the investigation. World Cup matches are currently underway at the East Rutherford venue, though strict “No Drone Zone” rules prohibit drone activity at the event. Investigators will examine whether the unauthorized operator attempted to capture footage of the sporting event and accidentally drifted into restricted airspace.

Regional Pattern of Drone Incidents Emerges

The issue is not new in the New York and New Jersey region. In March, pilots at both LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport reported multiple unmanned aircraft sightings, according to FAA data. Similar disruptions occurred in April 2019 when drone sightings near Teterboro Airport, located approximately 17 miles from Newark, led to flight interruptions in and out of Newark.

The recurring nature of drone incidents in the tri-state area suggests that enforcement challenges persist despite clear federal regulations. Aviation authorities struggle to identify and prosecute unauthorized drone operators who often disappear before law enforcement can respond. Detection technology at airports continues to improve, but tracking small drones in real-time remains technically difficult, especially in densely populated urban environments.

United Airlines Takes Preventive Measures

United Airlines has invested in pilot training programs specifically designed to address drone encounters during critical flight phases. The airline’s crews receive instruction on how to report sightings accurately, assess collision risks quickly, and execute evasive maneuvers when necessary. Friday’s incident demonstrated that these protocols function effectively, as pilots immediately communicated the threat to air traffic controllers and maintained safe aircraft control throughout the approach.

The Boeing 737 involved in the incident continued to its assigned gate without further complications. Passengers aboard flight 1513 experienced no delays beyond the initial approach adjustment, and the aircraft returned to service for subsequent flights after standard safety inspections. United Airlines has not disclosed whether any passengers noticed the near-miss or expressed concerns about the incident.

Growing Calls for Stronger Drone Regulations

Aviation industry representatives continue to push for enhanced enforcement mechanisms and stricter penalties for unauthorized drone operators who violate airspace restrictions. Current regulations require drone operators to maintain visual line of sight with their devices and avoid flying above 400 feet in most circumstances. All drone activity is prohibited within five miles of airports without explicit FAA authorization.

The FAA investigation into Friday’s incident will examine radar data, air traffic control recordings, and witness statements from both flight crews. Authorities hope to determine the drone’s origin point and identify the operator responsible for the dangerous violation. If identified, the operator could face civil penalties exceeding thousands of dollars and potential criminal prosecution depending on the circumstances and any prior violations.

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