Monthly meeting April 2021

2 Mar 21  

1603

Wildcat

(RN)

5124N 00305W

2NM NE Flat Holm Lighthouse

400ft

London FIR

(G)

The Wildcat pilot reports that they were operating at 400ft RADALT, setting up for a Helicopter Controlled Approach (HCA) to a ship. The pilot spotted a large drone at about 100yds, 2 o'clock, similar height. They called it to the crew, and the Observer in the LHS reported a large silver or white quadcopter drone, the pilot maintained visual contact and altered course to the NE. The drone passed down their right-hand side. Initially the crew did not report the incident to Cardiff ATC because they did not consider it an Airprox because it was a drone. An HCA is usually flown on instruments by the pilot, with the Observer also heads-in. Due to poor visibility and the proximity of another Wildcat the pilot was far more eyes-out than usual, which may have contributed to the spot of the drone. Prior to this the aircraft was about to be turned right onto 060°, which would have potentially reduced the separation and increased the MAC risk.

Reported Separation: 0ft V / 100yds H

Reported Risk of Collision: Medium

The Cardiff controller reports that they were working 2 Navy Wildcat Helicopters on a Basic Service and other aircraft. Because the Wildcat pilot did not report the drone on frequency the controller only became aware of the Wildcat’s incident with a drone 22 days after it took place.

In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were sufficient to indicate that it could have been a drone.

Applicable Contributory Factors: 4, 5

Risk: The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where although safety had been reduced, there had been no risk of collision.

26 Mar 21 

1800

BAE 146

(HQ Air Ops)

5137N 00007W

Wood Green

4000ft

London TMA

(A)

The BAE146 pilot reports that they were on the localiser at 12NM DME on the ILS for RW25 at RAF Northolt, level at 4000ft, when both pilots sighted a large drone extremely close to the aircraft. The drone appeared to be within 50 to 100ft above their altitude and passed just to the starboard side of the aircraft, it appeared to be as close laterally as it was vertically. The drone was black and was quite wide and bulky in shape, it was difficult to determine its size without references, but was estimated to be quite large, around 3ft across. The sighting occurred during daylight hours and in clear air and was immediately reported to Northolt Radar.

Reported Separation: 50-100ftV/ 15-30m H

Reported Risk of Collision: Medium

The Northolt Radar Controller reports they were bandboxing the Approach/Deps/Director positions at RAF Northolt, RW25RH was in operation. They were controlling a BAE146 inbound from LAM and the aircraft established on the localiser at 15NM. Whilst level at 4000ft the pilot reported a drone sighting. When asked for further details the pilot reported that the drone was approximately 50ft above the aircraft. On receiving that information, the controller informed the TC Group Supervisor (GS) that a drone had been sighted, giving them the position and conditions of the sighting. The GS advised that they would contact the Met Police with details and also inform the other relevant TC controllers in the room at the time. The controller observed no radar returns relating to the position of the drone report. The next inbound aircraft, also from LAM, was informed of the drone sighting and did not report a sighting themselves.

In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were such that they were unable to determine the nature of the unknown object.

Applicable Contributory Factors: 4, 5

Risk: The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where although safety had been reduced, there had been no risk of collision.

28 Feb 21

1243

B787

(CAT)

5131N 00050W

LHR 280°/15NM

4300ft

London TMA

(A)

The B787 pilot reports descending through 4300ft to LHR ILS RW09L, around 13NM west of the RW

threshold and on a base heading of 180°, 1.5NM north of the centreline, when a drone was visually detected passing the right-hand side of the aircraft. The drone was of the multi-propellor type with 4 legs, black in colour, and the body appeared to be at least 18in across, possibly up to 2ft. The drone was well clear of the aircraft and stood out clearly against the hazy white background, between 100m and 200m away, and 50ft above, and was spotted by the non-handling pilot about 3sec before it passed abeam the aircraft.

Reported Separation: 50ft V/100-200m H

Reported Risk of Collision: NR

The Heathrow INT N Controller reports that the B787 pilot reported passing a drone whilst the aircraft was heading south approximately 15NM NW of the airport. The drone was reported to be 1-1.5ft across with 4 rotors, tracking north at approximately 4500ft.

In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were sufficient to indicate that it could have been a drone.

Applicable Contributory Factors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Risk: The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where although safety had been reduced, there had been no risk of collision.