FAA investigating drone that nearly struck plane at Charlotte Douglas airport

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal investigators are looking into how a drone came dangerously close to a plane, full of people, landing at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport around 4 p.m. Friday.

“I think it’s reckless and dangerous,” said Chris Bradley, who stopped by the airport overlook with his children.

Crew members on board a Jetstream International plane spotted the drone a mile and a half from the runway as the jet was preparing to land.

“I can’t even imagine one of these drones running into a plane, and you know, wreck…that’s kind of foolish to bring a drone out here in the first place,” Johnny Heyward said.

The Federal Aviation Administration has strict rules regarding drones. They can’t be flown within 5 miles of an airport; as well as over groups of people, sporting events and more.

Last week, Channel 9 reported Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s helicopter almost hit a drone while flying over uptown.

Police said the pilot took evasive action to avoid a collision that could have been disastrous.

Some people believe there should be more regulations for people flying drones as a hobby.

“I think this situation like this proves you need more regulation if people are going to act recklessly,” Bradley said.

CMPD officers responded to the area where the drone was spotted, but were not able to find the drone or the person flying it.

The FAA confirmed to Channel 9 it is investigating.

(WATCH: Reaction of a drone being flown at Charlotte Douglas

airport

)

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