Drone scare for Loganair plane
Pilot forced to act to avoid crash
A mid-air near miss over West Lothian involving a drone and an aeroplane is being investigated by police.
The unmanned craft flew around 20 to 30 metres away from a commercial Loganair flight as it made its descent towards Edinburgh Airport at a height of around 4000 feet.
It’s believed the drone may have been piloted from the Bathgate or Armadale area.
No one was injured in the incident which happened around 1.10pm on Friday, May 19, and the plane successfully landed at the airport.
But Chief Inspector Barry Blair, local area commander for West Lothian, said the incident highlighted the dangers of drones.
He said: “The pilot was forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision while preparing to land the plane.
“Had these aircraft collided the
consequences could have been far more serious.
“We are working alongside the aviation authorities to identify the pilot of the drone and determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
“Drone users are reminded only to operate their crafts within the guidelines set out by the Civil Aviation Authority and should consult the legislation should they have any queries about appropriate drone use.”
Police Scotland say drone pilots should be aware of the appropriate legislation and the safety issues to be considered when operating the aircraft.
And their pilots are reminded they must operate within the law and the guidelines set out by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services’ ‘ Drone Safe’ campaign.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “People should be in no doubt of the seriousness of this issue.
“We would ask that all users understand the legislation and guidelines surrounding dr one usage and behave responsibly.”