United Airlines Flight Collides With Drone En Route To San Diego

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.