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Drone hit British Airways plane approaching Heathrow Airport Drone hits British Airways plane approaching Heathrow Airport
(35 minutes later)
A plane approaching Heathrow Airport is believed to have hit a drone before it landed safely, the Metropolitan Police have said. A plane approaching Heathrow Airport is believed to have hit a drone before it landed safely, the Metropolitan Police has said.
The British Airways flight from Geneva was hit as it approached the London airport at about 12:50 BST with 132 passengers and five crew on board.The British Airways flight from Geneva was hit as it approached the London airport at about 12:50 BST with 132 passengers and five crew on board.
After landing, the pilot reported an object - believed to be a drone - had struck the front of the Airbus A320.After landing, the pilot reported an object - believed to be a drone - had struck the front of the Airbus A320.
Aviation police based at Heathrow have launched an investigation.Aviation police based at Heathrow have launched an investigation.
Police said no arrests have been made.Police said no arrests have been made.
If confirmed, it is believed to be the first incident of its kind in the UK.
Are drones dangerous or harmless fun?Are drones dangerous or harmless fun?
Drones pose 'real threat' to civil aviationDrones pose 'real threat' to civil aviation
A British Airways spokesman said: "Our aircraft landed safely, was fully examined by our engineers and it was cleared to operate its next flight."A British Airways spokesman said: "Our aircraft landed safely, was fully examined by our engineers and it was cleared to operate its next flight."
The airline will give the police "every assistance with their investigation", the spokesman added.The airline will give the police "every assistance with their investigation", the spokesman added.
A Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesman said it was "totally unacceptable" to fly drones close to airports, and anyone flouting the rules can face "severe penalties, including imprisonment".
The incident follows a warning earlier this year by the head of the International Air Transport Association that drones flown by the general public are "a real and growing threat" to civilian aircraft.The incident follows a warning earlier this year by the head of the International Air Transport Association that drones flown by the general public are "a real and growing threat" to civilian aircraft.
Tony Tyler called for drone regulations to be put in place before any serious accidents occur.Tony Tyler called for drone regulations to be put in place before any serious accidents occur.
In January, the UK Air Proximity Board - which investigates near-miss incidents in UK airspace - said there had been four serious near-misses at UK airports in August and September. The UK Air Proximity Board - which investigates near-miss incidents in UK airspace - said there have been a number of serious near-misses at UK airports involving drones.
The category A incidents were reported at Stansted, Heathrow, London City and Manchester airports. Category A incidents - the most serious - were reported at Stansted, Heathrow, London City and Manchester airports last year.
Drone incidents at UK airportsDrone incidents at UK airports
Source: The UK Airprox BoardSource: The UK Airprox Board