PA-28 Cherokee/Archer/Dakota/Pillan/Warrior
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 5; Flight Crew Total 94; Flight Crew Type 94
Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC
General None Reported / Taken
Aircraft; Airspace Structure; MEL
During the cruise phase on a flight from on a heading of 315 degrees; approximately 2mi. SW of ITH at 4;500 MSL; I (PIC) and the passenger in the right front seat spotted what appeared to be traffic at approximately the same altitude appearing to be turning away; I mentally estimated at 3-4 miles away. However; it was quickly apparent this was not fixed wing or rotor traffic after the object quickly reversed course to a southeasterly heading and was now closing the separation between us; clearly now within several thousand feet not 3-4 as previously estimated. Within 15 seconds from spotting the traffic; it was within 300 feet of our aircraft and passed off the port side within 100 feet and approximately 200 feet below. As it passed; it became obvious the traffic initially spotted was a UAV; black in color with a red component. We would estimate the size as 2'X 2'. A report was filed with the Approach Controller.
Piper Cherokee PIC reported encountering a drone while in cruise flight at 4;500 feet just north of Ithaca; NY.