A routine flight from San Francisco to San Diego turned tense in its final moments Wednesday after pilots reported a close encounter with a drone while descending into one of California’s busiest airports.
According to officials, the incident involved a United Airlines Boeing 737 arriving from San Francisco and approaching San Diego when the crew spotted what appeared to be a small aerial object near the aircraft’s flight path.
The sighting occurred during the critical approach phase into San Diego International Airport, when pilots are focused on aligning the aircraft for landing and have limited room for maneuvering. Air traffic control audio indicates the crew described the object as “small,” “red,” and “shiny,” raising immediate concerns that it could have been a drone operating illegally in restricted airspace.
At one point, the pilot had reportedly asked controllers whether any drone activity had been detected in the area. Controllers responded that they had no information indicating nearby drone operations.
Moments later, the crew observed the object at close range, prompting heightened caution in the cockpit. While it remains unclear whether the aircraft actually made contact with the object or narrowly avoided it, the report was serious enough to trigger a post-landing inspection and a federal review.
NEW: Drone strike reported in San Diego, California, on a Boeing 737 jumbo jet operated by United Airlines.
According to officials, the drone hit the plane at about 3000 feet as it was coming in for a landing from San Francisco.
“United Flight 1980 reported a possible drone… pic.twitter.com/fNZA8FIKhX
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 29, 2026
Despite the midair scare, the aircraft landed safely without incident. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and an inspection conducted after arrival found no visible damage to the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is reviewing the incident, which adds to a growing number of drone-related safety concerns near major U.S. airports. Authorities have not yet identified the operator of the suspected drone.
Under federal regulations, drones are generally prohibited from flying above 400 feet and must remain clear of airport approach paths unless specifically authorized. The reported altitude of this incident — roughly 3,000 feet — would represent a significant violation if confirmed.
Aviation experts warn that even small drones can pose a serious risk to commercial aircraft. Unlike birds, drones contain rigid components such as batteries and metal parts, which can cause damage if ingested into an engine or if they strike sensitive areas like the cockpit windshield or wings.
Drone sightings by pilots have increased sharply over the past decade, driven in part by the rapid growth of consumer drone use. The FAA receives hundreds of reports each year of drones flying near aircraft, though confirmed collisions remain rare.
Still, incidents during takeoff and landing are considered particularly dangerous. Aircraft are operating at lower altitudes, speeds are changing rapidly, and pilots are managing complex procedures — leaving little time to react to unexpected hazards.
