Air carrier flight crew reported an airborne conflict with a UAS while they were on approach.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported an airborne conflict with a UAS while they were on approach.
Narrative
I was the PF and we were on a visual approach to runway 30L at MSP at approximately 3000-4000 ft. MSL. ATC called out traffic on the parallel runway which we both had in sight. At this time while looking to his right the FO informed me that there was a drone at our 3 oclock position. I did look in that direction; but did not see the drone myself.The FO immediately reported the sighting to ATC and the controller responded he could see a primary target behind us.This is a summary of what the FO remember from this event;While on approach to 30L at Minneapolis airport at around 4000 ft. with approach control. Approach called out preceding traffic landing on the parallel runway; and I recall it being an RJ (regional jet). While noticing the traffic something came into my field of view and I questioned what it could be; and quickly ruled out that it wasnt a ballon as we flew closer to it and it flew in opposite direction descending through our altitude. I was able to make out that it was a drone. It was a moderately sized drone; something that if I were to guess would be the same size as something thats used for professional video production. It was black and gray in color and it appeared to be tumbling; possibly due to capturing the wake from the aircraft on the parallel runway. If I were to guess the distance I would say maybe a little closer than halfway the distance between the centerlines of the two runways. I advised approach control that a drone passed off of right wing descending through our altitude. Approach control queried as to the color and size to which I replied that it wasnt small. The approach controller keyed back up and said he had a primary target behind us now; and then moments later handed us off to tower to continue our approach and landing.
Second reporter narrative
While on the approach to 30 left at Minneapolis airport at around 4000 feet on with approach control. Approach called out traffic landing on the parallel runway which proceeded us and I recall it being an RJ (regional jet). While noticing the traffic something came into my field of vision; and I question what it could be and quickly ruled out that it was a balloon as we flew closer and it flew in our opposite direction descending through our altitude I was able to make out that it was a drone. It was a moderately size drone something that if I were to guess would be the same size as something thats used in professional video production. It was that large black and gray color and it appeared to be tumbling. My guess is that it may have possibly hit the wake turbulence of the proceeding RJ on the parallel runway and seem to be somewhat out of control. I advised approach control that a drone passed off our right wing; descending through our altitude. Approach control queried as to the color and size to which I replied that it wasnt small. The approach controller keyed back up and said that he had a primary target behind us; and then moments later handed us off to tower to and then continue our approach landing. I would say the distance from the aircraft would be slightly closer than the middle of the 2 Runway Center lines.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.