Air carrier Captain reported an NMAC on final approach with a UAS. No evasive action was taken and the flight continued without further incident.

Date: 2025-02 · Aircraft: Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng · Phase: approach

Anomalies: airspace-violation-all-types|conflict-nmac|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-far|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy|deviation-discrepancy-procedural-unauthorized-flight-operations-uas

Synopsis

Air carrier Captain reported an NMAC on final approach with a UAS. No evasive action was taken and the flight continued without further incident.

Narrative

Autopilot and autothrust on. I was PF on LOC and GS for 30L going into SJC. If I recall correctly; just prior to the FO calling '1000' I noticed an anomalous red light appear out of the PAPI and rapidly move towards the aircraft. Within 2 seconds of observing the new light it passed over the left wing at roughly eye level (roughly cabin window height). Light conditions were challenging for visual observation. The sun had already gone below the horizon to our left but enough red/orange light was still present in a narrow band above the terrain to the left that I could observe some glossy shine off the edges of the object in addition to the red light on it. The terrain and city below and in front of us was visually presenting as night conditions (black with lights). Other than the narrow band of light over the terrain on our left; the sky was also presenting as night. With that small amount of light it wasn't possible to quickly ascertain details about the object; other than the relative size; shape; and movement in relation to our jet. I ascertained almost immediately upon seeing it that its relative movement in relation to our glide path was slightly to the left; so it was not coming directly at our fuselage and would pass to our left. In the next second it did indeed pass to my left at eye level and I visually tracked it as it passed over the top of our left wing. It was roughly 2-3 feet in diameter; symmetrical width and length (squarish or roundish in overall shape) and much shorter in height than it was in length or width. While the details of shape weren't supremely apparent ; it appeared to have structural elements consistent with drone construction symmetry.We landed without incident. I also called the dispatcher and reported the event with some detail to them as well.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.