United jet narrowly avoids drone near Newark landing

A United Airlines jet narrowly avoided a collision with a drone while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport on Friday, June 26, in a high-risk incident that underscores persistent safety concerns around unmanned aircraft near major airports.

The close call occurred during the final approach of United Flight 1513, a Boeing 737 arriving from Key West, Florida, with 106 passengers and five crew members aboard. According to air traffic control audio, the pilot reported the drone came within approximately 100 feet below the aircraft. The pilot described the object as circular in shape and about three feet wide. The flight landed safely shortly after the incident, and all passengers disembarked normally.

A second pilot, operating a United Express flight for GoJet Airlines and approaching Newark around the same time, also reported sighting a drone at an altitude of roughly 2,000 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the event.

In a statement, United Airlines confirmed that Flight 1513 reported a potential drone sighting prior to landing and that the arrival was completed without further incident.

The FAA reiterated that operating drones in controlled...