United pilot spots 'red object' near jet at 4,000 feet as FBI opens federal review

WASHINGTON, DC: A pilot operating a United Airlines flight reported a possible mid-air encounter with a drone while descending toward California, according to air traffic control audio that has drawn attention to ongoing aviation safety concerns.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, April 29, aboard United Flight 1980, which had departed from San Francisco International Airport and was approaching San Diego International Airport when the pilot alerted controllers to a suspicious object nearby.

Pilot flags 'small red object' near aircraft

In the audio recording, the pilot described spotting what appeared to be a small, red object in close proximity to the aircraft during descent.

“I believe I just saw like a red, small object, about 1,000 feet below us to our right,” the pilot told air traffic control, raising the possibility that the aircraft may have come into contact with a drone at an altitude of roughly 3,000 to 4,000 feet.

The report prompted immediate attention from controllers, given the strict regulations governing drone operations near commercial flight paths and the potential risk such encounters pose to passenger aircraft.

Flight lands safely, no damage found

Despite the alarming report, the flight continued its approach without further incident and landed safely in San Diego. Passengers disembarked normally at the gate, and no injuries were reported.

In a statement to KTLA, United Airlines confirmed the pilot’s report but said a subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed no signs of damage.

“United flight 1980 reported a possible drone just prior to arriving in San Diego. The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate. Our maintenance team found no damage after thoroughly inspecting the aircraft,” the airline said.

FAA alerts other pilots as FBI evaluates incident

The Federal Aviation Administration acknowledged the report and said air traffic control alerted other pilots in the vicinity as a precaution. However, no additional sightings were reported for the remainder of the day.

“While approaching San Diego International Airport at about 4,000 feet altitude, the crew… believed they saw a drone 1,000 feet below them. Air traffic control alerted other pilots but did not receive any additional drone-sighting reports,” the agency said.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation office in San Diego has also taken note of the incident and is assessing whether any federal laws may have been violated.

“While our policy is to neither confirm nor deny investigations, we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to evaluate the situation,” the agency said, adding that further details would depend on the outcome of its review.