On March 4, 2013, Alitalia Flight 608, inbound to John F. Kennedy International Airport from Rome, reported a close encounter with a drone. The pilot told air traffic controllers, "We saw a drone, a drone aircraft." The incident occurred approximately three miles from runway 31R at an altitude of about 1,750 feet. The Alitalia aircraft, a Boeing jetliner, did not take evasive action and landed safely.
The FBI, investigating the incident, described the unmanned aircraft as black, no more than three feet wide, and equipped with four propellers. It came within 200 feet of the commercial jet. Special Agent in Charge John Giacalone stated the FBI's paramount concern was the safety of aircraft passengers and crew, appealing to the public for any information regarding the drone or its operator.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also launched an investigation into the sighting. At the time, FAA regulations for recreational drone hobbyists permitted flights up to 400 feet, within sight of the operator, and required notification to air traffic controllers if flying within three miles of an airport. Although flying unmanned aerial vehicles was illegal for most business purposes, government and public entities could apply for permission. This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into national airspace and the potential risks they pose to larger passenger aircraft due to possible collisions or engine ingestion.
