NEWARK, New Jersey — Federal authorities are investigating a close call in the skies over New Jersey after a United Airlines commercial flight narrowly missed a large drone during its final approach into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Friday afternoon.
The incident involved United Airlines Flight 1513, a Boeing 737-724 (registration N54711) arriving from Key West, Florida (EYW). According to air traffic control audio, the flight crew spotted the unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in tight proximity to their aircraft as they descended toward the runway.
‘Right Below Us’
The pilot immediately notified air traffic controllers of the dangerous encounter, stating clearly over the radio: “We nearly collided with a drone.”
According to the pilot’s report, the drone was exceptionally large for a consumer model, estimated at roughly 3 feet (90 cm) in diameter and circular in shape. The flight crew noted that the object passed just 100 feet (about 30 meters) directly below the belly of the Boeing 737—a razor-thin margin in commercial aviation.
Despite the proximity of the drone, the flight crew maintained control of the aircraft without executing evasive maneuvers. The plane, carrying 106 passengers and five crew members, landed safely on runway 22L at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time. No injuries were reported on board, and the aircraft taxied to the gate normally.
Incident Summary
| Flight Detail | Information |
| Airline & Flight Number | United Airlines (UAL1513) |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 737-724 |
| Route | Key West (EYW) ➔ Newark (EWR) |
| Total Souls on Board | 111 (106 passengers, 5 crew) |
| Estimated Drone Size | 3 feet (90 cm) wide, circular |
| Miss Distance | ~100 feet (30 meters) below aircraft |
Growing Threat to Aviation Safety
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) strictly prohibits drones from operating within 5 miles of airports without explicit air traffic control authorization, and consumer drones are generally restricted from flying above 400 feet.
A drone strike on a commercial airliner can cause catastrophic damage, particularly if ingested into a jet engine or if it impacts the cockpit windshield. Due to the size of the drone reported by the United crew, local law enforcement and federal investigators are actively searching for the operator. If located, the pilot could face severe federal fines, confiscation of equipment, and potential criminal charges.
