Near Miss at Newark Airport: A Close Call with a Drone
On June 27, 2026, during a routine approach to Newark Liberty International Airport, United Flight 1513 experienced a harrowing incident involving an unauthorized drone. The aircraft, carrying 111 individuals, including passengers and crew, reported to air traffic control that “we almost collided with a drone.” This alarming encounter unfolded around 5:30 p.m. as the Boeing 737 descended from Key West, Florida.
The Dangerous Encounter
The pilot of United Flight 1513 described the drone as a circular object roughly 90 centimeters in diameter that passed just 30 meters below the aircraft. Verified audio recordings of the conversation with air traffic control, reported by CNN, indicate the seriousness of the situation. Despite the close call, the flight managed to land safely, and all passengers disembarked without incident.
Interestingly, the threat was not isolated. A second pilot, operating a United Express flight from GoJet Airlines, also reported sighting the drone at approximately 2,000 feet, corroborating the urgency of the situation.
The Implications of Drone Incidents
This encounter raises significant concerns about drone operations near airports. United Airlines confirmed that the sighting occurred in controlled airspace, which is strictly regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airline did not divulge additional details regarding the aircraft’s condition or any potential legal actions related to the incident.
Drones, built from hard materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, transfer impact energy differently than birds, which can deform upon collision. Studies by the Alliance for Unmanned Aerial Systems Safety through Research Excellence (ASSURE) reveal that collisions between drones and aircraft can result in severe damage, potentially more catastrophic than similar incidents involving birds.
Regulatory Challenges
The FAA has stringent regulations prohibiting drones in controlled airspace without authorization, allowing for fines up to $75,000 per violation. Despite these measures, reports have surged. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the FAA recorded 411 illegal drone sightings near airports, marking a 25.6% increase from the previous year. Since 2021, over 3,000 incidents involving drones at U.S. airports have been noted.
While regulations exist, enforcement has become a challenge. Between 2023 and 2025, only 18 fines were levied despite the increasing frequency of violations. The primary obstacle remains identifying the operators of unauthorized drones.
Vulnerability During Landing
The incident surrounding United Flight 1513 underscores the specific risks posed during the landing phase of flight. At low altitudes, aircraft are slower and have limited options for evasive maneuvers, making encounters with drones particularly perilous. A drone entering an engine during this phase could lead to catastrophic failures and endanger lives.
In conclusion, the near-miss incident at Newark Airport highlights the escalating conflict between advancing drone technology and aviation safety regulations. As drone use rises, authorities must improve enforcement and compliance measures to protect the skies above our airports. The safety of air travel depends on it.