Drone pilot who crashed into BA plane could face five years in prison

An investigation has been launched after a British Airways plane was struck by a drone.

The pilot of flight BA727, from Geneva in Switzerland, reported being hit as the Airbus A320 approached London’s Heathrow Airport yesterday afternoon.

The plane landed safely and none of the 132 passengers and five crew on board were hurt.

But police confirmed they had launched investigation, along with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

The drone operator could face prosecution and be locked up for up to five years if courts determine they endangered the plane.

No arrests had been made.

A report in March by the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) found there were 23 near misses between drones and aircraft in the six months between April and October last year, including two at Heathrow.

Steve Landells, flight safety specialist at the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa), called for greater enforcement and awareness of rules that govern drone flights.

‘Frankly it was only a matter of time before we had a drone strike given the huge numbers being flown around by amateurs who don’t understand the risks and the rules,’ he said.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ‘drone code’ says the unmanned craft should not be flown above 400 feet and kept away from planes, helicopters, airports and airfields. Those with cameras fitted should also be kept at least 50 metres from people, vehicles, buildings and other structures.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said that ministers are looking at the possibility of introducing a drone registration scheme in the UK, similar to the ones already in place in Ireland and the US.

BA said the aircraft was examined by engineers and cleared to take off for its next flight following the incident.