Police launch appeal after drone strikes British Airways plane landing at Heathrow

Drone strike: A BA jet was struck as it approached Heathrow on Sunday
Steve Parsons/PA Wire
Laura Proto18 April 2016
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Police have launched an appeal for information after a British Airways plane was struck by a drone as it landed at Heathrow.

A pilot on the BA flight from Geneva told police the aircraft was flying at about 1,700ft on Sunday when an object, believed to be a drone, hit the front of the plane shortly before landing.

The flight, which had 132 passengers and five crew on board, landed safely at Terminal 5 at 12.38pm on April 17 and was inspected by BA engineers.

The aircraft did not sustain any damage.

Police believe the drone strike happened within the proximity of Richmond Park and officers have searched the area for suspects and debris but have not yet found anything.

Chief Superintendent Martin Hendy, head of Metropolitan Police Service's Aviation Policing Command, said: “Thankfully the aircraft landed safely but the incident highlights the very real dangers of reckless, negligent and sometimes malicious use of drones.

“We continue to work with the Civil Aviation Authority and other partners to tackle this issue and ensure that enthusiasts who fly drones understand the dangers and the law.

“One of the challenges is to ensure people realise what is legitimate and what is illegal. The message is do not fly them anywhere near airports or flight paths, or over crowded places such as football and other stadiums. The potential is there for a major incident."

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who was in Richmond Park between 12pm and 1pm on Sunday or anyone who finds identifiable parts of a drone in the Richmond area asked to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Anyone with information should call Aviation Policing on 020 3276 1460; or alternatively Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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