A man whose reckless drone flight near Heathrow Airport triggered a major security alert and endangered multiple passenger planes has been jailed for his "extremely dangerous" actions.
Marcin Nowak, 45, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment at Isleworth Crown Court after admitting to endangering the safety of an aircraft. The court heard how his drone was flown within metres of approaching jets, causing immediate alarm among air traffic controllers.
A Catastrophic Risk to Aviation
Prosecutor Michael Shillito detailed how Nowak's actions on October 21, 2022, created a genuine risk of catastrophic collision. The drone was spotted flying at approximately 1,200 feet – well within the approach path of numerous aircraft descending toward one of the world's busiest airports.
“The potential consequences of a collision don't bear thinking about,” stated Shillito. “This was an extremely dangerous act that put countless lives at risk.”
Disruption and Swift Response
The incident caused significant disruption to Heathrow's flight operations as authorities scrambled to assess the threat. Air traffic controllers were forced to alter approaching aircrafts' paths while police launched an urgent investigation.
Through meticulous work, investigators traced the drone's signal back to Nowak's address in Southall, west London. Officers discovered the drone and controller at his home, along with incriminating mobile phone evidence showing his flight path.
A Warning to Reckless Operators
Judge Martin Edmunds KC emphasised the seriousness of the offence during sentencing. “You created a significant risk to aircraft approaching one of the world's busiest airports,” he told Nowak. “The consequences of a collision could have been catastrophic.”
The case serves as a stark warning to drone enthusiasts about the severe consequences of breaching airspace regulations around critical infrastructure. Aviation authorities have reinforced their zero-tolerance approach to such dangerous behaviour.
