A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner came within just 16 feet of a mid-air collision with a drone flying thousands of feet above the legal limit, according to a UK Airprox Board report. The incident occurred on June 8 as the aircraft climbed out of Heathrow Airport for Johannesburg, passing over Woking at approximately 5,500 feet.
Drone spotted too late for avoiding action
The First Officer reported seeing the drone pass down the right side of the aircraft, just moments before it swept past. The drone was described as being approximately 1 metre in diameter, of light colour with some dark contrast, and was spotted slightly higher than the flightdeck windows but lower than the top of the tail.
The report stated: "Sighting was too late and too fast to take any avoiding action. Drone was approximately 1m in diameter, of light colour with some dark contrast." The British Airprox Board classified the encounter as carrying a high risk of collision.
Other aircraft alerted
Air traffic control was notified, and controllers then warned other aircraft in the area. A second commercial passenger flight following the same route subsequently reported seeing the drone at approximately 5,000 feet in the same location, while a third departing aircraft was unable to spot it.
The information was passed to Heathrow Tower and other controllers, and police were also informed. The Airprox Board said the reported altitude and description of the object were sufficient for it to conclude that it could have been a drone.
Aircraft carried up to 264 passengers
The Boeing 787 had taken off from Heathrow's Runway 27L before turning on to a radar heading of approximately 210 degrees under London Control. The aircraft was reportedly carrying up to 264 passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority states that drones or model aircraft must never be more than 400 feet from the closest point of the earth's surface. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson confirmed the incident and added: "The safety and security of our customers and crew is always our priority, and the pilots immediately reported the incident to Air Traffic Control in line with our procedures."
