Full Breakdown
United Flight 1513 Near-Miss with Drone at Newark Liberty Airport
6/28/2026, 8:57:44 PM
Near-Miss Details
On Friday, June 26 2026, United Airlines Flight 1513, a Boeing 737 (reported as a 737-700 or a 737 MAX 9 in different sources), descended toward Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from Key West International Airport (EYW). While on final approach, the pilot reported to air-traffic control that a circular, three-foot-wide drone passed “about 100 feet below us.” A second United Express flight operated by GoJet Airlines also observed a drone at roughly 2,000 feet altitude near the same time. The aircraft landed safely, and all 106 passengers and five crew members deplaned without injury.
Background: Drone Activity Near U.S. Airports
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits drone operations in controlled airspace and within 5 miles of an airport without authorization. Despite the rule, the FAA logs roughly 100 drone sightings per month near U.S. airports, with 319 reports recorded from January through March 2026. Only eight of those reports required pilots to take evasive action, and a single runway-impact incident occurred at San Carlos Airport, California. In response to rising sightings, the FAA and Congress have discussed counter-unmanned-aircraft-system (C-UAS) technologies, highlighted in a Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing where Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) urged development of deterrence measures.
Data & Statistics
- Approx. 100 monthly drone sightings near airports (FAA).
- 319 sightings reported Jan-Mar 2026.
- 8 pilots took evasive action in 2026; 1 runway collision (San Carlos).
- Prior Newark-area incident in April 2019 involved drones near Teterboro Airport.
Official Statements & Responses
United Airlines confirmed the flight “reported a potential drone sighting prior to arriving in Newark” and emphasized the safe landing and normal deplaning. The FAA announced an investigation into the incident and reiterated that unauthorized drone operations can result in civil penalties and criminal charges. Chris Sununu, president and CEO of Airlines for America and former New Hampshire governor, stressed that “integrating UAS safety regulation … is absolutely integral. There can’t be any loopholes.” Sen. Jacky Rosen called for accelerated deployment of C-UAS technologies to deter airport-area flights.
Criticism & Opposition
Aviation safety advocates argue that any unauthorized drone near a commercial jet constitutes a serious breach of air-space rules, urging “zero tolerance” and stronger enforcement. Industry commentators note that while most recreational drones are small, a collision at low altitude could damage engines, windshields, or cockpit controls, underscoring the need for robust detection and rapid operator identification.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Time of encounter: Sources cite 5:20 p.m. EDT (CNN, WLWT, Simple Flying) and 4:20 p.m. EDT (New York Post).
- Aircraft model: Reported as a Boeing 737-700 (CNN) and a Boeing 737 MAX 9 (Simple Flying).
- Operator identification: No information released about the drone’s owner or control system.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We almost hit a drone.” — United Airlines pilot
- “Integrating UAS safety regulation into all aspects …” — Chris Sununu, president & CEO, Airlines for America
- “United flight 1513 reported a potential drone sighting prior to arriving in Newark. The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate.” — United Airlines statement
- “The FAA is investigating the incident.” — Federal Aviation Administration
Implications for Aviation Safety
The close proximity of a drone to a descending commercial jet highlights vulnerabilities in current air-space enforcement and detection capabilities, especially during critical approach phases. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup events nearby, heightened public attention on airport security amplifies the urgency for effective counter-drone measures.
What’s Next
The FAA’s investigation will determine whether enforcement action is warranted, potentially resulting in civil fines or criminal charges. Ongoing congressional hearings may shape updated regulations on drone operations near airports, and airlines are expected to adopt enhanced detection technologies ahead of upcoming high-profile events.
