A United Airlines Boeing 737, designated Flight 1980 from San Francisco International Airport, was reportedly struck by an unauthorized drone during its approach to land at San Diego International Airport.

The incident occurred at approximately 3,000 feet altitude. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft showed no immediate signs of damage following a thorough inspection by United Airlines maintenance personnel.

United Airlines stated that the flight landed safely, passengers deplaned normally at the gate, and their maintenance team found no damage after inspecting the aircraft.

While confirmed midair collisions between commercial aircraft and drones are rare, reports of such close encounters have increased in recent years. This incident has raised safety concerns regarding unauthorized drone activity near airport controlled airspace.

Some online users questioned how a consumer-grade drone could reach that altitude without detection. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the matter, with preliminary information indicating the drone may have passed beneath the aircraft but remained well above the maximum permitted altitude of 400 feet for drones.