Updated: It Was a Matter of Time: Drone Strikes Plane at Heathrow Airport in London

Updated: It Was a Matter of Time: Drone Strikes Plane at Heathrow Airport in London

When will people learn? It's usually the minority that ruin the fun for the masses, and it looks like we have that situation across the pond at Heathrow Airport in London, England. An incident has been reported to police this afternoon at 12:50 pm about a drone colliding with a plane. This would be one of, if not the first reports of a drone actually striking an aircraft. 

A British Airways pilot has reported that his aircraft collided with a drone while approaching Heathrow Airport in the nation's capitol. The report was made to police officials today from a British Airways flight from Geneva. Although the flight did land safely, it has been determined that a drone likely struck the front of the aircraft.

No arrests have been made, but of course, the matter will be further investigated.

British Airways has issued a statement:

Our aircraft landed safely, was fully examined by our engineers, and it was cleared to operate its next flight. 

Safety and security are always our first priority, and we will give the police every assistance with their investigation.

This news came after a recent situation in Los Angeles, when a drone nearly collided with the largest passenger plane in the world.

Drone laws from the CAA (United Kingdom) are similar to the United States' FAA laws; Small Unmanned Aircraft Article 166 #3 states as follows:

The person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels, and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions. 

  • Make sure you can see your drone at all times, and don't fly higher than 400 feet.
  • Always keep your drone away from aircraft, helicopters, airports, and airfields. 

Update: According to reports, transport minister Robert Goodwill has not confirmed whether or not it was a actually a drone in the reported collision, see update here.

[via Sky News]

Nick Pecori's picture

Nick Pecori is a Florida-based advertising photographer who has shot for clients Acer, Bealls, Shoe Carnival, the Florida Lottery, etc.

Log in or register to post comments
52 Comments
Previous comments

Thanks Nick.

Every time something touches a plane from now on, it will be a drone.