JetBlue flight reports drone strike during approach to New York airport: FAA

A JetBlue flight reportedly struck a drone while approaching John F. Kennedy International Airport for landing Monday morning, according to federal officials. 

The incident involved JetBlue Airlines Flight 948, which departed from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Preliminary reports indicate the aircraft struck the drone at an altitude of about 3,000 feet.

"The pilot of JetBlue Airlines Flight 948 reported striking a drone at approximately 3,000 feet altitude while on final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport around 7:15 a.m. local time on Monday," the FAA said.

Unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal under FAA regulations.  (. John Stillwell/PA Images via Getty Images)

JetBlue told Fox News Digital that the crew "reported a possible drone encounter during the aircraft's final approach into New York."

The flight landed without incident, customers deplaned normally, and the aircraft was removed from service for a post-flight inspection, JetBlue said.

JetBlue and FAA officials both said the post-flight inspection did not reveal any damage to the aircraft or evidence of a collision.

A JetBlue aircraft makes its way from the terminal at JFK International Airport in New York on Feb. 19, 2007.   (Keith Bedford)

"Safety is JetBlue's first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations," JetBlue said.

The FAA will investigate the incident.

A pedestrian makes his way to the e-ticket counter of JetBlue at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Feb. 1, 2006.  (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

According to the agency, unauthorized drone operations near airports are illegal, but reports of "unmanned aircraft (UAS) sightings from pilots, citizens and law enforcement remain high."

Operators who violate FAA regulations may face significant civil penalties and criminal charges, including possible jail time.