By Jasper Ward and Allison Lampert
WASHINGTON, June 29 (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration said it has launched an investigation after a JetBlue flight reported hitting a drone while approaching New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday.
The pilot of the Airbus A321, which had departed from Las Vegas, reported the strike at approximately 3,000 feet altitude while on final approach, the FAA said.
The incident happened around 7:15 a.m. EDT, according to the agency.
“The flight landed without incident, customers deplaned normally, and the plane was removed from service for a post-flight inspection, which found no damage or evidence of a collision,” the airline said.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages John F. Kennedy International Airport, was not immediately available for comment.
Monday’s incident comes days after a United Airlines flight encountered a drone during its descent into Newark Liberty International Airport — another New York City-area airport — on Friday, according to media reports.
Drones should not fly near airports, according to an FAA advisory, which warns that it would be difficult for pilots to see and avoid drones while flying.
The FAA said it receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports monthly. It warned that unauthorized drone operators could face fines or jail time.
“We want to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters, and airports is dangerous and illegal,” the FAA said.
(Reporting by Jasper Ward and Allison Lampert; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
