Drone Narrowly Avoids Collision With United Jet at Newark

WHO:

Yahoo - The pilot of a United Airlines passenger jet reported the near collision with a drone.

Yahoo - The flight carried 106 passengers and five crew members.

WHAT:

Yahoo - A United Airlines passenger jet nearly collided with a drone while landing.

Yahoo - The drone was described as circular and approximately three feet wide.

Yahoo - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.

Yahoo - There are around 100 drone sightings a month near US airports, according to the FAA.

Yahoo - There have been 319 reports of drone sightings by pilots to the FAA this year through March.

Yahoo - In only eight reports, pilots had to take action to avoid a drone, including descending or turning.

WHERE:

Yahoo - The incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

Yahoo - Newark airport is located about 15 miles from East Rutherford, New Jersey, where World Cup matches are taking place.

Yahoo - Teterboro Airport is located about 17 miles away from Newark.

WHEN:

Yahoo - The near collision occurred around 5:20 p.m. ET.

Yahoo - The United flight landed safely around 5:30 p.m. ET.

WHY:

Yahoo - The FAA prohibits the use of drones in controlled airspaces or near manned aircraft without official permission.

HOW:

Yahoo - Airports are using detection technology to track drones in their airspace.

Yahoo - The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense are developing counter-UAS technologies to prevent drone flights around airports.

(UPDATED June 27, 2026 17:20 UTC)

A United Airlines passenger jet carrying 106 passengers and five crew members nearly collided with a drone while landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. The drone, described as circular and about three feet wide, prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, which notes there are around 100 drone sightings each month near U.S. airports. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns, as the FAA prohibits drone use in controlled airspaces without permission, while airports are implementing detection technologies and the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense are working on counter-drone systems.