An Airbus A320 departing Heathrow flew over central London at about 9,200 ft on May 19 shortly after 6pm when crew sighted a large triangular drone enter the aircraft's path and briefly fill part of the windshield. The airliner was travelling about 287 mph when the drone passed near the aircraft, estimated at roughly 2–3 metres or larger and within about 10 metres of the fuselage. Air traffic controllers were notified but no operator was identified. The UK Airprox Board concluded providence played a major part in avoiding what was judged a definite risk of collision. The incident recalls earlier deliberate drone disruptions near airports.
The object appeared to be approximately 2-3m in size at the very least, it may have been larger as it filled a good proportion of the windshield. The first officer observed that it was triangular in shape. The Captain only saw the object for a second or two in peripheral vision so could not reliably comment on the shape. No markings were identified.
went over us, probably within about 10 metres
providence had played a major part
a definite risk of collision
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