A helicopter pilot reported narrowly avoiding a collision with a remote-controlled aircraft near John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday, coinciding with an earlier incident involving a JetBlue plane and a drone.

The Bell 407 helicopter captain was flying from JFK to a heliport in Manhattan when the near-miss with the unmanned aerial vehicle occurred. Details regarding the exact location or altitude of this encounter were not immediately available.

Earlier the same day, a JetBlue flight struck a drone while descending to JFK at approximately 3,000 feet. Despite the impact, the plane was able to land safely. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the collision to determine the circumstances and assess any potential safety risks.

These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about unauthorized drone activity near major airports, which can pose significant hazards to manned aircraft. The FAA has implemented strict regulations governing drone operations around airports to prevent such close calls, but challenges remain in enforcement and detection.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of drone operators adhering to designated no-fly zones and reporting drone sightings around critical airspace. The investigations stemming from Monday’s events may lead to enhanced measures or policy recommendations to improve safety near JFK and other busy aviation hubs.