United Airlines Flight Nearly Collides with Drone Near Newark Airport

A United Airlines flight from Key West, Florida, reported a near-miss with a drone while approaching Newark Liberty International Airport on March 20, 2023. The pilot described the drone as circular and about one meter in diameter, located approximately 30 meters below the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident, which is part of a growing concern as drone sightings near U.S. airports have surged, averaging around 100 per month. Despite the increase in sightings, actual collisions remain rare, with only eight reported cases this year requiring evasive maneuvers by pilots. The FAA emphasizes that operating drones near controlled airspace is prohibited without authorization.

Key Details: • Incident occurred around 5:20 PM Eastern Time on March 20, 2023. • Flight carried 106 passengers and 5 crew members. • FAA reports about 319 drone sightings reported by pilots this year. • Drones are prohibited in controlled airspace without permission.