United Flight Strikes Drone on Approach to San Diego

A United Airlines flight encountered a rare but serious hazard during its final approach into San Diego International Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 737, struck a small drone at approximately 3,000 feet while preparing to land.

Impact Without Damage

The flight, identified as United Flight 1980, had departed from San Francisco International Airport earlier that morning. It carried 48 passengers and six crew members.

Despite the mid-air contact, the aircraft landed safely. A post-flight inspection found no visible damage, and passengers disembarked normally. Flight crew reported seeing a small, red object moments before impact, describing it as difficult to identify due to its size.

A Violation of Airspace Rules

The incident highlights a growing concern around unauthorized drone activity near airports. Under Federal Aviation Administration regulations, drones are prohibited from operating in restricted airspace, including areas surrounding major airports. They are also generally limited to altitudes below 400 feet unless specific authorization is granted.

The drone involved in this case was flying far above that limit, placing it directly in the path of commercial traffic. The FAA has opened an investigation to determine how the drone entered restricted airspace and identify the operator.

A Persistent Safety Risk

While this incident ended without damage or injuries, the risk remains significant. Even small drones can pose a hazard to aircraft, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. The increasing availability of consumer drones has made enforcement more difficult, with authorities continuing to respond to violations across the country.

A recent case in North Carolina saw a drone operator tracked and fined after flying near active runways without authorization. Incidents like these reinforce the challenge regulators face in balancing drone use with aviation safety.