A United Airlines flight carrying 106 passengers and five crew members narrowly avoided a drone while descending for landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday afternoon. The pilot of United flight 1513, traveling from Key West, Florida, reported the close call to air traffic control around 4:20 p.m., according to audio recordings verified by CNN.
The drone, described as circular and approximately three feet wide, was estimated to be about 100 feet below the aircraft. Another pilot on a separate flight entering Newark also reported observing the drone at an altitude of roughly 2,000 feet.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737, landed safely, and passengers disembarked normally at the gate, United Airlines confirmed in a statement. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
This event highlights a recurring concern for aviation safety, as the FAA receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports monthly. The agency warns that unauthorized drone operation can lead to severe consequences, including fines, criminal charges, and potential jail time for operators.