A helicopter pilot reported a close encounter with an unmanned aircraft system near John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday afternoon, marking the second such incident in the vicinity in a single day.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilot indicated that a remote-controlled airplane came into close proximity with their helicopter.
Second Incident in a Day
This report followed an earlier event on Monday where a JetBlue pilot experienced what was believed to be a drone strike during the approach to JFK.
Air traffic controllers at JFK subsequently issued an alert to pilots in the area regarding an unauthorized unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operating within restricted airspace. This information was gathered from ATIS.guru, which compiles live digital messages from airports worldwide.
The alert specified a "red and white" remote-controlled aircraft was observed around 4:05 p.m. local time. It was flying at an altitude of approximately 500 feet, directly within the flight path commonly used by commercial aircraft preparing to land, as detailed in the ATIS warning.
The location was noted as being about one mile from the Canarsie (CRI) navigation beacon, a crucial landmark for aircraft on final approach to JFK.
Authorities have not yet determined if these two incidents are connected. The FAA has informed local law enforcement agencies of the situation.
Prior JetBlue Drone Strike
Operating a remote-controlled aircraft or drone close to a major airport is prohibited by law and represents a significant safety hazard to aviation, the agency emphasized.
Earlier on Monday morning, the FAA confirmed that a JetBlue flight reported striking a drone at roughly 3,000 feet altitude, approximately 10 miles from JFK. Audio from air traffic control communications suggested the impact occurred above the aircraft's cockpit.
Despite the incident, the flight landed safely, and a subsequent inspection of the aircraft by JetBlue personnel found no damage.
