SFO United pilot reports possible drone strike over San Diego, FAA says

SAN DIEGO (KGO) -- Federal aviation officials are investigating a United Airlines pilot's report that the aircraft hit a drone while landing at San Diego International Airport on Wednesday morning.

The pilot of Flight 1980 from San Francisco International Airport reported the sighting to air traffic controllers at Lindbergh Field after the aircraft landed safely.

"Okay over to spot 1 and contact ramp. And we hit a drone probably at around 3,000 feet. About uh.. Yeah around on our base leg between KEEDG and SAIEE," the pilot said. "Red drone heading west."

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The FAA said the sighting occurred at 4,000 feet, which is significantly higher than the legal maximum altitude for drones.

United Airlines said a postflight inspection found no damage to the Boeing 737.

According to the FAA, air traffic control alerted other pilots in the area but did not receive any additional dronesighting reports.