United Airlines Flight Reportedly Struck by a Drone at 3,000 Feet
A United Airlines boeing 737 landed safely at San Diego international Airport after its crew reported hitting what they believed was a drone during approach. United Flight 1980 contacted air traffic control shortly before 8:30 a.m., saying they saw a small red object-about 1,000 feet below-near the aircraft around 3,000-4,000 feet altitude. The crew couldn’t clearly identify it, but audio shared from the cockpit indicates impact occurred. United said the aircraft was inspected and found to have no damage,and the Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert; controllers did not receive other drone sighting reports,and the FAA notes drones are generally restricted near airports and above 400 feet without authorization.
The flight crew of a United Airlines jet said that they hit a drone Wednesday on approach for a landing at San Diego International Airport.
United Flight 1980, a Boeing 737 with 48 passengers and 6 crew members aboard, reported the incident shortly before 8:30 a.m., according to KNSD-TV.
Audio posted to X by TheNewArea51 captured the report of the incident.
“We hit a drone at around, probably around 3,000 feet,” a member of the flight crew said.
“It was so small, I couldn’t tell,” the flight crew member said when asked for details. “It was red. It was shiny. I couldn’t tell with it.”
United Airlines flight 1980 (Boeing 737) hit a drone over San Diego this morning around 3000 feet.
Audio via @theATCapp pic.twitter.com/EFclpROOlL
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) April 29, 2026
Shortly before the reported collision, the pilot asked controllers if a drone was near the plane’s location, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“Not that I’m aware,” the controller said.
“I believe I just saw like a red small object… about 1,000 feet below us to our right,” the pilot said.
The plane landed safely with no complications.
“United Flight 1980 reported a possible drone strike just prior to arriving in San Diego. The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate,” United Airlines said in a statement, according to KUSI-TV.
“Our maintenance team found no damage after thoroughly inspecting the aircraft,” the airline said.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued an alert about the incident.
A United jet hit a drone going into San Diego. This is going to be a growing problem. Drones on final.
pic.twitter.com/jhTy9SMorD— Buzz Patterson (@BuzzPatterson) April 29, 2026
“While approaching San Diego International Airport at about 4,000 feet altitude, the crew of United Airlines Flight 1980 told air traffic control they believed they saw a drone 1,000 feet below them. Air traffic control alerted other pilots but did not receive any additional drone-sighting reports,” the FAA said.
FAA regulations cited by KNSD said that according to the rules about flying drones, they can’t be flown above 400 feet without the FAA’s official blessing.
The FAA bans drones from restricted airspace, which would include airspace near airports.
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