British Airways Pilots Report Manchester Airport Near-Miss

Manchester Airport Incident: A Close Call Revealed

An incident involving a close encounter between a passenger jet and a drone has been detailed following a recent report. The event occurred at Manchester Airport, raising concerns about aviation safety.

The article describes how an Airbus A320 aircraft, operating a flight, had a near-miss with an unidentified drone. The pilot of the A320 reported the sighting to air traffic control, describing it as a "very close encounter."

Details of the incident suggest the drone was a significant size, with the pilot estimating it to be approximately one meter wide. The encounter took place during daylight hours, on a clear day, while the aircraft was on its final approach to landing at Manchester Airport.

The proximity of the drone to the passenger aircraft prompted an immediate investigation by the Airprox Board, an independent body responsible for assessing the safety of near-miss incidents involving aircraft in the UK.

The Airprox Board’s findings indicated that the drone was operating at a relatively low altitude, posing a direct risk to the approaching aircraft. The investigation focused on understanding the circumstances that led to the drone being in the vicinity of the airport’s airspace.

While the specific flight details, such as the airline or destination, are not explicitly mentioned, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by airports in managing the risks posed by drones. The report underscores the potential dangers of unauthorized drone activity near aviation infrastructure.

The article implies that the pilot’s swift reporting and the subsequent investigation by the Airprox Board were crucial in assessing the severity of the incident and implementing any necessary follow-up actions to prevent future occurrences. The primary concern remains the safety of passengers and crew within the airspace surrounding busy airports like Manchester.

Key Points

• Airbus A320 aircraft involved.
• Unidentified drone estimated to be approximately one meter wide.
• Incident occurred on final approach to landing at Manchester Airport.
• Drone was operating at a relatively low altitude.
• The event was assessed by the Airprox Board.

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