Delta plane has close call with drone near JFK Airport
NEW YORK -- A Delta airplane's close call with a drone before landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Friday is bringing attention to the dangers of drones.
A spokesman for Delta Airlines said that Flight 407 departed from Orlando, Florida. The crew reported an airborne object was near the plane as it made its approach to the runway.
The FAA said the unmanned aircraft was seen off the right wing of the plane at 1,700 feet. The pilot did not take any evasive action.
The plane landed at about 5 p.m. without incident.
As unmanned recreational drones have become more popular, close calls with professional pilots have been taking off. FAA officials report 25 incidents every month.
Aviation experts say there's already so little room for error in the crowded skies over New York.
"The reason we don't want a drone anywhere close to commercial airliners is because of the possibility of one being ingested into an engine and doing a tremendous among of damage," said aviation analyst John Nance.
