A pilot flying a commercial aircraft near Gatwick Airport reported a close encounter with a suspected drone resembling a “flying saucer” as the plane was about to land. This incident was part of a series of alarming incidents involving drones coming too close to commercial planes in the UK.
In the specific case at Gatwick Airport, the pilot of an A319 aircraft described seeing a disc-shaped object, possibly a drone, flying very near their plane at the same altitude, passing by the right wing just 100-300ft away. Despite the close proximity, the pilot did not need to take evasive action as the plane was already turning.
The UK Airprox Board assessed the near-miss and concluded that the safety of the aircraft had been compromised. Similarly, near Heathrow Airport, an A321 crew observed a drone flying dangerously close to their aircraft, prompting concerns about a potential collision.
Another incident involving military personnel detailed by the board recounted how two Royal Air Force pilots on a refuelling mission over the North Sea encountered an unidentified aircraft flying within 100-150ft of their plane. Even though both pilots witnessed the object, it did not register on radar systems, adding to the mystery and concern surrounding such encounters.
