Drone at Manchester airport flew less than 15 metres from Boeing 757 during 'critical phase'
The pilot has said he was 'surprised'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A drone was flown just 50ft from a Boeing 757 jet near Manchester Airport during a "critical phase" of its flight.
The pilot of the jet airliner "expressed his surprise" after spotting the object shortly after take-off, the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) said in a near-miss report.
He was carrying out a right turn at an altitude of 1,500 feet - a "critical phase of flight" - when the incident occurred.
The report states that the drone was "extremely close to the aircraft", passing just 50ft above and 100ft to the left.
Experts "quickly agreed there had been a definite risk of collision" and the incident was put in the most serious risk category.
The latest monthly UKAB meeting examined a total of six near misses between drones and aircraft, including reports from near Heathrow, Glasgow and Newcastle airports.
The British Airline Pilots Association has warned that the risk of collision between an aircraft and drones is "unacceptably high".
Last month a drone was believed to have hit a British Airways flight landing at Heathrow, although it later emerged it may have been a plastic bag.
Drone operators must keep their craft away from aircraft and airfields, and not fly above 400 feet.
They are also barred from flying drones with cameras within 50 metres of people, vehicles or buildings, or over congested areas or large gatherings such as concerts and sports events.
In the Queen's Speech it was announced that the Government will introduce new regulations on drones in a Modern Transport Bill.
PA
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments