A United Airlines pilot reported that a drone came dangerously close to hitting the aircraft as it was preparing to land at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on June 27, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 12:43 PM EDT, according to a report by CNN.
Pilot's account and immediate response
The pilot of the United flight, which was arriving from an undisclosed origin, described the drone as passing within what he considered to be a hazardous proximity to the plane during the final approach to Newark. The crew immediately filed a report with air traffic control, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the near miss. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft landed safely without further incident.
Rising concerns over drone safety
This incident adds to a growing list of close calls between drones and manned aircraft in the United States. According to the FAA, reports of drone sightings near airports have increased significantly in recent years, with over 2,500 sightings reported in 2025 alone. The agency has implemented strict regulations prohibiting drone operations within five miles of airports without prior authorization, but enforcement remains a challenge.
“This is a stark reminder of the dangers that unauthorized drones pose to aviation,” said an FAA spokesperson in a statement. “We are committed to identifying the operator and holding them accountable.”
Potential consequences and legal implications
Flying a drone near an airport is a federal offense, punishable by fines of up to $20,000 and potential criminal charges. The FAA and local law enforcement are reviewing radar data and seeking witnesses to identify the drone's operator. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current drone detection and mitigation technologies at major airports.
