United Airlines flight from San Francisco to San Diego reportedly strikes ‘red, shiny’ drone

In the audio, the pilot can be heard telling a dispatcher the aircraft “hit a drone” at about 3,000 feet. When asked for details, the pilot described the object as “so small” and said it appeared “red” and “shiny.”

No injuries have been reported, and there were no immediate indications of damage to the aircraft.

While confirmed midair collisions between planes and drones are considered rare, reports of close encounters have increased in recent years, raising ongoing safety concerns around unauthorized drone activity near airports.

The reported incident quickly sparked alarm online, which some users questioning how a drone meant for consumer use could reach that altitude in controlled airspace.

United Airlines did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

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