FAA UAS Incident Reports Database (2014-2016)

This document serves as a comprehensive, chronological database of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) incident reports compiled by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the AFS-80 division. Spanning from November 2014 through early 2017, the log records hundreds of encounters between manned aircraft and unidentified aerial objects, frequently described as drones or quadcopters. The reports detail a wide variety of incidents, ranging from pilot sightings of small, multi-rotor devices in close proximity to commercial airliners on final approach, to reports of drones operating within restricted airspace, near sporting events, or over critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants and government facilities. Many entries note the color, size, and behavior of the objects, with common descriptions including 'black,' 'white,' 'silver,' or 'red' quadcopters, often ranging from one to four feet in diameter. While many reports indicate no evasive action was required, several entries document instances where pilots were forced to maneuver to avoid a collision, and a few reports describe potential near-misses or 'NMAC' (Near Mid-Air Collision) events. The database also tracks the involvement of various law enforcement agencies, including local police departments, the FBI, and the Secret Service, as they respond to reports of unauthorized drone activity. The document highlights the increasing frequency and geographic breadth of these encounters, reflecting the rapid proliferation of consumer drone technology and the resulting challenges for aviation safety and airspace management.

This document provides a chronological log of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) sighting reports filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) between June 30, 2017, and August 1, 2018. The entries detail numerous encounters between commercial and private aircraft and unauthorized drones across the United States. The reports consistently describe sightings of quadcopters, fixed-wing drones, and unidentified aerial objects in close proximity to flight paths, often within controlled airspace or near major airports. Pilots frequently reported drones passing within 50 to 500 feet of their aircraft, with several instances categorized as near-mid-air collisions (NMAC). Descriptions of the objects vary, with many reported as black, white, or silver, and some featuring flashing red, green, or blue lights. The document highlights the recurring nature of these incidents, noting that local law enforcement, the FBI, and airport authorities were frequently notified, though operators were rarely identified. In several cases, drones were reported hovering near critical infrastructure, stadiums, or wildfire TFRs, leading to the suspension of firefighting operations. The log serves as a record of the increasing frequency and potential hazards posed by unauthorized UAS operations to civil and military aviation safety.