FAA: Close call at LAX between passenger plane and drone
LOS ANGELES -- A drone came within about 200 feet of a commercial airliner as it approached Los Angeles International Airport, officials said.
Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said the pilot of the Lufthansa A380 reported that the drone had flown closely over it at about 1:30 p.m. Friday when the plane was about 5,000 feet up.
The FAA immediately notified Los Angeles police, who was looking for the drone's owner.
CBS Los Angeles reported an LAPD air unit in the area did not spot a drone, a spokesman said.
Los Angeles World Airports, which operates LAX, referred questions back to the FAA.
Under FAA rules, drone operators are prohibited from flying within a five-mile radius of an airport.
The FAA has struggled with safety fears since the popularity of drones skyrocketed in recent years. The agency says drones have come within 200 feet of other aircraft more than 150 times since 2013.
In December, the FAA started requiring drone owners to register their aircraft.