Safety investigators revealed that a British Airways jet narrowly avoided a collision with a drone flying well beyond its legal altitude limit.
Incident Details
According to an Airprox report, a pilot on the Airbus A321 spotted an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flying alongside the plane’s nose and then swiftly moving past the right-hand side, characterizing the encounter as “extremely close.” The incident occurred approximately 30 miles away from London Heathrow Airport.
Altitude Violation
The drone was recorded at an altitude of 9,600 feet, significantly exceeding the UK’s limit of 400 feet for recreational drone operators.
Timeline and Initial Report
The incident, which took place on January 3, was first reported by the MailOnline on March 28. The jet, carrying 180 passengers and flying at 250 mph on its return journey from Athens to London, was preparing to enter Heathrow’s final flight path when the drone was spotted.
Proximity and Risk Assessment
The rogue drone came within approximately five feet of the wing and about 30 feet of the cockpit, posing a high risk as categorized in the Airprox report.
Expert Warnings and Potential Dangers
Experts have long warned about the dangers of drone collisions with aircraft. Research from the University of Dayton in 2018 highlighted the potential for significant damage due to drone strikes. Drone expert David Dunn emphasized the incapacitating threat posed if a drone were to collide with an aircraft’s windscreen or structure.
Previous Incidents and Airport Disruptions
The incident adds to concerns following the disruption caused by drones at London’s Gatwick Airport in 2018, resulting in the cancellation of over 1,000 flights in a span of three days.
