Panic as United Airlines flight strikes drone 3,000 feet over San Diego
The Mirror US • • business
Key Points:
- A United Airlines Boeing 737, flight 1980 from San Francisco to San Diego, collided with a small red drone at approximately 3,000 feet above San Diego; no damage or injuries were reported.
- Audio recordings from air traffic control captured the pilot reporting the drone strike, describing the drone as small, red, and shiny, though its exact size and type were unclear.
- Drone collisions with commercial aircraft are rare but increasing, with drones accounting for nearly two-thirds of near-midair collision reports at major U.S. airports in 2024.
- The incident has raised concerns and speculation about drone operations at such high altitudes, which are unusual for consumer drones and pose risks to air safety, especially near airports.
- Authorities and United Airlines have been contacted for comment, and the event highlights ongoing challenges in managing drone activity in controlled airspace.
