CLOSE TO DISASTER
Drone was operating in restricted air space
The crew of a light aircraft came close to disaster when their plane narrowly missed a drone while flying near a residential area on its way to Perth Airport.
The alarming incident happened when the plane was passing over the Murrayshall area, not far from Scone.
While the aircraft was able to make a safe landing, PC Scott Thomson highlighted a collision would have put both people on board in “danger of serious injury.”
The incident happened around 2.35pm on Tuesday (June 30) and police have been making enquiries in the local area to trace the drone’s pilot.
The force is keen to establish the full circumstances which led to the drone operating within the restricted air space around the airport (pictured).
PC Thomson, from Perth police station, said: “Thankfully, the aircraft was able to avoid a collision on this occasion, otherwise both people on board would have been in
danger of serious injury.
“We support the safe and legal use of small unmanned aircraft.
“However, drone pilots are reminded they must operate within the law and guidelines set out by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Services.
“It is the responsibility of each pilot to make themselves aware of the appropriate legislation and be aware of the importance of responsible flying, particularly around airports, restricted airspace and congested areas.
“If anyone has any questions about how and where to fly a drone safely, please check with the Civil Aviation Authority or Drone Safe website.”
Graeme Frater, managing director of ACS Aviation, the Perth Airport operator, praised the response from the operating pilots of the aircraft which he said“undoubtedly averted a potentially serious incident”.
He added:“We support the views of the UK Government, the Civil Aviation Authority and police that penalties should be increased for flagrant misuse of drones near airports, where they represent a very major hazard.
“We encourage anyone with information to contact the police.”
The drone is described as being between 1-2ft in width and red or orange in colour. Anyone with information on this incident can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident 1878 of June 30.