JetBlue Pilot Reports Hitting Drone While Landing in New York City

A JetBlue pilot reported hitting a drone as he was landing in New York City, federal aviation officials said.

The plane, which was headed to the Big Apple from Las Vegas, was flying at about 3,000 feet when it hit the drone around 7:15 a.m. Monday as it approached John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

Despite striking the drone, the plane landed safely, and passengers deplaned as usual.

There was no evidence of damage found to the aircraft during a post-flight inspection, the FAA added.

The pilot told an air traffic controller that the drone hit the plane just above the cockpit.

“We collided with a drone back there in the turn,” the pilot said, according to ATC.com. “It hit us right above the cockpit.”

The pilot noted that they did not need any help and were fine to land the aircraft.

“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations,” the airline said in a statement.

The place involved in the incident was removed from service and inspected before being cleared to fly to its next destination, which was Los Angeles, California, ABC 7 reports.

While drones are typically allowed to fly below 400 feet, the FAA restricts their use in the airspace surrounding airports due to public safety concerns.

The FAA said that more than 100 drone sightings are reported near airports each month, which the agency investigates with local law enforcement officials. Drone operators caught violating restricted airspace can face a fine or even lose their license.

The FAA is investigating the incident.

With reporting by the Associated Press.