United Airlines flight reports possible collision with drone near San Diego

A United Airlines flight reported a midair collision between the plane and what appeared to be a drone near San Diego, according to a Wednesday statement.

“United flight 1980 reported a possible drone strike just prior to arriving in San Diego. The flight landed safely, and customers deplaned normally at the gate. Our maintenance team found no damage after thoroughly inspecting the aircraft,” United said in a statement to The Hill’s sister network NewsNation.

According to United, the Boeing 737 flight was headed from San Francisco International Airport to San Diego International Airport, carrying 48 passengers and six crew members.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in its own statement to NewsNation that it “is aware of the report and is investigating.” The agency said drones cannot be flown at elevations higher than 400 feet without authorization. ---More...

NEW: Drone strike reported in San Diego, California, on a Boeing 737 jumbo jet operated by United Airlines.

According to officials, the drone hit the plane at about 3000 feet as it was coming in for a landing from San Francisco.

"United Flight 1980 reported a possible drone… pic.twitter.com/fNZA8FIKhX

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg)April 29, 2026

Drone strike reported in San Diego, California, on a Boeing 737 jet operated by United Airlines.

According to officials, the drone hit the plane at about 3000 feet as it was coming in for a landing from San Francisco.

"United Flight 1980 reported a possible drone strike just prior to arriving in San Diego," United Airlines said.