Drone strikes United Airlines jet during landing at San Diego airport
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SAN DIEGO (AP) — A drone collided with a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 as the aircraft was landing at San Diego International Airport early Wednesday morning, marking a rare and dangerous incident involving commercial aviation and unmanned aerial systems.
The impact occurred at approximately 3:57 a.m. local time as the twin-jet aircraft was on final approach to the airport. The plane touched down safely, and all passengers and crew members were evacuated without reported injuries. Emergency crews responded immediately to the scene, where the aircraft was parked on the tarmac for inspection.
San Diego International Airport was temporarily closed following the incident, disrupting travel for hundreds of passengers. Flights were grounded for several hours while authorities assessed the damage to the aircraft and investigated the circumstances surrounding the drone strike. The airport reopened later in the morning with limited operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident. Officials have not yet identified the operator of the drone or determined the cause of the collision. The drone was not recovered at the scene, and its origin remains unknown.
United Airlines confirmed that the flight was operating under normal conditions prior to the impact. The airline stated that the aircraft sustained damage to its fuselage but did not specify the extent of the structural compromise. Maintenance crews are currently evaluating whether the plane can be returned to service.
Airport authorities have increased security measures in the airspace surrounding the facility. Law enforcement agencies are reviewing surveillance footage and radar data to trace the drone’s flight path and identify potential suspects.
This incident raises concerns about the growing presence of unmanned aerial vehicles near major airports. The FAA has previously issued warnings about the risks posed by unauthorized drone flights in controlled airspace. However, this is one of the few documented cases where a drone has physically struck a commercial airliner during landing.
No arrests have been made, and no motive has been established. Investigators are working to determine whether the drone was operated intentionally or if it was an accidental intrusion into restricted airspace.
The incident remains under active investigation as officials seek to understand how the drone entered the airport’s protected zone and why it intersected with the aircraft’s flight path. Further details are expected to emerge as the inquiry continues.