The FAA launches an investigation as JetBlue says it found ‘no damage or evidence of a collision’ on its aircraft
A passenger jet reported striking a drone while approaching JFK International Airport on Monday, and just hours later, a helicopter pilot alerted a close call with a remote-control plane near the same airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the first incident that happened as a JetBlue plane passed through 3,000 feet (914 metres) Monday morning while it was crossing the coastline. The plane landed safely in New York without any additional help, and no damage was found when the plane was inspected afterwards.
“We collided with a drone back there in the turn,” the pilot told an air traffic controller, according to ATC.com. “It hit us right above the cockpit.”
The airline said all the passengers deplaned normally, and then the plane was removed from service so it could be inspected. JetBlue said the airline “found no damage or evidence of a collision”. The Airbus A321 plane was flying overnight into New York from Las Vegas.
“Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations,” the airline said in a statement.
The FAA reported the close call Monday evening between the helicopter and the remote-control aeroplane to local authorities, according to the agency.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
