FAA, FBI probe report of drone spotted near JFK Airport

FAA, FBI probe report of drone spotted near JFK Airport

Posted: Updated:
MYFOXNY.COM/AP -

The FBI and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating a pilot's report that he spotted a small unmanned aircraft at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport.

The Alitalia pilot told air traffic controllers that he saw the aircraft as he approached Runway 31R at Kennedy at 1:15 p.m. Monday. The pilot said the aircraft was 4 to 5 miles southeast of the airport and was flying at an altitude of about 1,500 feet.

"The FBI is asking anyone with information about the unmanned aircraft or the operator to contact us," said Special Agent in Charge John Giacalone. "Our paramount concern is the safety of aircraft passengers and crew."

An FBI spokesman said the pilot reported that the aircraft was about 3 feet wide, had four propellers, and was black.

The pilot said the drone came within about 200 feet of the Alitalia jet.

The pilot can be heard on radio calls captured by LiveATC.net, a website that posts air traffic communications. The pilot said, "We saw a drone, a drone aircraft."

The FAA said the pilot did not take evasive action and the plane landed safely.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 212-384-1000.

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