Commercial Plane Reportedly Struck By Drone Near U.S. Airport

The Boeing 737, identified as Flight 1980 from San Francisco, reportedly hit the object at roughly 3,000 feet during its approach.

Take a listen:

United Airlines flight 1980 (Boeing 737) hit a drone over San Diego this morning around 3000 feet.

Audio via @theATCapp pic.twitter.com/EFclpROOlL

— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) April 29, 2026

More from the New York Post:

No injuries have been reported, and there were no immediate indications of damage to the aircraft.

While confirmed midair collisions between planes and drones are considered rare, reports of close encounters have increased in recent years, raising ongoing safety concerns around unauthorized drone activity near airports.

The reported incident quickly sparked alarm online, which some users questioning how a drone meant for consumer use could reach that altitude in controlled airspace.

“United Flight 1980 reported a possible drone strike 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 in a statement, according to NBC 7 San Diego.

“The FAA is investigating after a United flight reported a possible drone collision while on approach to land at SAN. UA inspected the aircraft and found no damage. This is sounding more like the drone passed under the plane but was well above the 400 feet max altitude for drones,” CBS News correspondent Kris Van Cleave said.

The FAA is investigating after a United flight reported a possible drone collision while on approach to land at SAN. UA inspected the aircraft and found no damage. This is sounding more like the drone passed under the plane but was well above the 400 feet max altitude for drones

— Kris Van Cleave (@krisvancleave) April 29, 2026

NBC 7 San Diego noted:

United Flight 1980 took off from San Francisco International at about 7:14 a.m. and reportedly hit the drone shortly before it landed a bit before 8:30 a.m.

What’s your judgment?