United Pilot Reports 737 Struck By “Red, Shiny” Drone On San Diego Approach
OSINT accounts on X are circulating ATC audio from theATCapp that allegedly captures a United Airlines pilot reporting a drone strike while the Boeing 737 was on base leg for landing at San Diego International Airport.
The pilot of United 1980 told SAN Ground that, at around 3,000 feet, the 737 struck a drone during the base leg, which is right before final approach.
Ground asked the United 1980 pilot, “Do you have an approximate size, or how many engines?”
The pilot responded, “It was so small I couldn’t tell. It was red, shiny. I couldn’t tell.”
United Airlines flight 1980 (Boeing 737) hit a drone over San Diego this morning around 3000 feet.
Audio via @theATCapp pic.twitter.com/EFclpROOlL
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) April 29, 2026
“No off-the-shelf consumer drone can get to 3000 feet. I’ll be very interested to see how this investigation plays out,” one X user stated.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 04/29/2026 – 15:50



