A United Airlines (UA) Boeing 737 drone incident near Newark Liberty International Airport is being investigated after a United Airlines flight carrying 106 passengers and five crew members narrowly avoided a midair collision with an unauthorized drone during its final approach on Friday.
The incident involved United Airlines Flight UA1513, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9, which was arriving at Newark from Key West, Florida. According to air traffic control communications, the flight crew reported that the aircraft “almost hit a drone” moments before landing.
The aircraft landed safely, and no injuries were reported. However, the close encounter has once again highlighted the growing safety concerns surrounding drone operations near major airports.
Close Call with Drone
The aircraft was on its final approach to Runway 22L at Newark Liberty International Airport when the pilots spotted what they described as a small circular drone.
According to air traffic control audio, the crew reported:
“We nearly hit a drone… about 100 feet below us.”
The pilots estimated the drone measured approximately three feet in diameter.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft was descending through approximately 2,300 feet when the sighting occurred. Just moments later, the crew of another United Express flight also reported seeing a drone in the same area at around 2,000 feet, suggesting the unmanned aircraft remained in the airport’s protected airspace.
Despite the close call, the Boeing 737 MAX 9 continued its approach and landed safely at Newark at approximately 5:22 p.m. local time.
United Airlines Confirmation
United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, saying:
“United flight 1513 reported a potential drone sighting prior to arriving in Newark. The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate.”
The airline also confirmed there were 106 passengers and five crew members on board the flight.
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737 MAX 9 registered N77578, operating a scheduled passenger service from Key West International Airport to Newark.
Meanwhile, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it has opened an investigation into the incident.
An FAA spokesperson said:
“United Airlines Flight 1513 landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport after the crew reported a drone sighting while on approach.”
Drone Activity Near Airports Remains a Growing Concern
Federal regulations prohibit unauthorized drone operations around airports because aircraft are at relatively low altitudes during takeoff and landing, leaving pilots with little time to react to unexpected hazards.
Unlike birds, drones contain rigid components, batteries and electric motors that can cause substantial damage if they strike an aircraft. A collision with an engine, cockpit windscreen or leading edge of a wing during approach could have serious consequences.
The FAA considers drones to be aircraft operating within the National Airspace System. Individuals who fly drones in restricted airspace can face civil penalties of up to $75,000 per violation, criminal charges, or both.
According to FAA data, the agency receives approximately 100 drone sighting reports every month around airports across the United States. Between January and March 2026 alone, more than 320 drone-related reports were recorded, ranging from simple sightings to incidents requiring evasive action.
Similar Incidents
This is not the first time drones have been linked to potentially dangerous encounters with commercial aircraft.
In 2023, an Emirates Airbus A380 sustained damage after reportedly striking a drone while approaching Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France. Although the flight landed safely, engineers later discovered damage to one of the aircraft’s wing slats during a post-flight inspection.
Authorities have also dealt with multiple airport disruptions caused by unauthorized drone activity in recent years, with several European airports temporarily suspending operations following drone sightings near active runways.
As drone ownership continues to grow, aviation regulators worldwide are increasing enforcement efforts and investing in detection technology to identify unauthorized aircraft operating near airports.
Editor’s Take
The latest United Boeing 737 drone incident demonstrates why regulators continue to treat unauthorized drone operations near airports as a serious aviation safety issue. While Flight UA1513 landed safely, the reported separation of only about 100 feet left little margin for error during one of the most critical phases of flight.
The FAA’s investigation will likely focus on identifying the drone operator and determining how the aircraft entered protected airspace surrounding Newark Liberty International Airport. As commercial drone use expands, incidents like this reinforce the need for stronger enforcement, improved drone detection systems, and greater awareness among recreational drone operators to prevent a future encounter from ending differently.
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Source: PYOK
