A routine flight into Southern California took an unexpected turn when a commercial jet crew reported striking an object midair during its descent.
According to air traffic control audio circulating online, a United Airlines flight approaching San Diego early Wednesday told controllers it had “hit a drone” while descending toward the airport, per the New York Post.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737 operating as Flight 1980 from San Francisco, reportedly encountered the object at approximately 3,000 feet.
In the audio, the pilot described the object as “so small” and said it appeared “red” and “shiny” when asked for further details.
Despite the unusual encounter, there were no immediate reports of injuries among passengers or crew. Officials also did not indicate any confirmed damage to the aircraft following the incident.
Midair collisions between airplanes and drones remain uncommon, but aviation experts have increasingly warned about the risks posed by unauthorized drone activity near busy airspace.
The reported strike quickly drew attention online, where users questioned how a consumer drone could reach that altitude, particularly within controlled airspace typically restricted to aircraft operations.
Concerns about drones flying near airports have grown in recent years, as more recreational and commercial devices take to the skies. Even small drones can present hazards to aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing phases when planes are at lower altitudes.
While details surrounding this incident remain limited, the exchange between the pilot and air traffic control highlights the ongoing challenge regulators face in monitoring and controlling drone activity.
Authorities have not yet released additional information about the object or whether an investigation will follow.
