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United Flight Reports Striking Small Red Object on San Diego Approach

The FAA investigation highlights the challenge of detecting small drones near airports.

Overview

  • United 1980 from San Francisco, which landed Wednesday in San Diego, reported a collision at about 3,000 feet during final approach.
  • In recorded air traffic audio, the pilot described a very small object that looked red and shiny.
  • United said the Boeing 737 carried 48 passengers and six crew and landed without injuries.
  • The FAA opened an investigation after SoCal approach controllers reported no radar trace and the agency logged no other pilot reports.
  • U.S. rules bar most drones above 400 feet or in controlled airport airspace, and small craft can slip past standard radar, which makes enforcement and attribution difficult.