A JetBlue pilot reported colliding with a drone while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Monday morning, according to air traffic control audio recordings. The incident occurred as Flight 948, en route from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, was preparing to land.
The pilot informed air traffic controllers of the encounter, stating, "We collided with a drone back there in the turn." When asked for clarification, the pilot confirmed the collision and noted the drone was "right above the cockpit."
The reported strike happened during the aircraft's final approach, approximately 10 to 12 miles from JFK and at an altitude of roughly 3,000 feet. The pilot specified the encounter took place near the ASALT waypoint, a navigational checkpoint used for landing sequences, over land in New Jersey.
The flight crew declined assistance from air traffic control, indicating they would proceed with landing. The airline confirmed that the flight landed without incident and that passengers deplaned normally. A post-flight inspection of the aircraft revealed no damage.
JetBlue stated that safety is its top priority and that the airline will cooperate with any relevant investigations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will investigate the incident.