#1 out of 2
technology15h ago
United Airlines flight from San Francisco to San Diego reportedly strikes ‘red, shiny’ drone
Nypost.com and 2 more
- A United Airlines Boeing 737 arriving in San Diego reported a possible drone encounter around 3,000 feet on the base leg of its approach, prompting investigation and heightened safety scrutiny.
- The pilot described the drone as very small, red, and shiny, saying it was too indistinct to size, but its color and brightness stood out in the cockpit audio.
- FAA officials confirmed they are investigating the incident after air traffic and pilot reports surfaced, underscoring ongoing regulatory attention to airspace safety near airports.
- The flight, identified as United Flight 1980 from San Francisco, landed safely in San Diego with no reported damage to the aircraft after inspection.
- The incident involved a widely discussed risk: drones near controlled airspace, prompting renewed questions about drone regulations and airport safety.
- Tracking and reporting of drone activity near San Diego International Airport are part of a broader pattern of heightened attention to near-miss events and airspace security.
- United Airlines stated that the aircraft was inspected and found no damage after the potential collision, and the flight continued to Houston after arrival.
- The Los Angeles Times piece notes the pilot described the object as red, small, and shiny, consistent with other near-miss drone reports that emphasize color and brightness rather than size.
- The reference article details that drone regulations prohibit flying above 400 feet without FAA authorization, reinforcing why the event prompted official scrutiny.
- Overall, the incident underscores ongoing concerns about drone operations in proximity to airports, even as the aircraft reported for a safe landing without damage.
Vote 2

