Monthly meeting March 2020

29 Jan 20

1100                                                                        

A319

(CAT)

5110N 00015W

5nm W Gatwick

2000ft

Gatwick CTR

(D)

The A319 pilot reports that they were at a busy phase of the flight, configuring for landing, the Captain was flying and the NHP spotted the drone.  There was NOTAM’d drone activity, and this was broadcast on the ATIS, so the Captain first thought that was what had been spotted. However, this drone was positioned on the centreline for RW26L and passed overhead the aircraft.  They reported it to ATC.  The drone was square in shape and he was unable to identify if it had propellers, it was white with a black underbelly and looked plastic because the sun was reflecting from it.

Reported Separation: 1000ftV/ 0m H

Reported Risk of Collision: Medium

A Gatwick Investigation reports that the A319 pilot reported seeing a drone when on 5.5nm finals.  There was known drone activity operating at 2nm south-east at the time and this information was broadcast on the ATIS. Drone command investigated and found no evidence of a drone in that area.

In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were such that they were unable to determine the nature of the unknown object.

Applicable Contributory Factors: 7

Risk: The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where although safety had been reduced, there had been no risk of collision.

2 Feb 20

1354

EMB 190

(CAT)

5132N 00036E

Southend-on-Sea

FL85

London TMA

(A)

The EMB 190 pilot reports that a drone was sighted to the south of SODVU whilst on a heading instructed by ATC. Having been cleared to climb to FL110 from FL80, while passing FL85 the First Officer spotted a 'grey' drone to the right-hand side of the aircraft. The drone was reported to ATC and the crew continued as per ATC’s initial instruction.

Reported Separation: 500ft V/<0.5nm H

Reported Risk of Collision: Low

The NATS Swanwick Investigation reports that the EMB 190 pilot reported passing a drone when passing FL85 in the climb, grey in colour, 5nm south of SODVU. The pilot subsequently reported this as an Airprox. The controller attempted to obtain further information relating to the sighting. Subsequent aircraft in the vicinity were advised of the report, however there were no other sightings. Safety Investigations reviewed the radar at the time the pilot of the EMB 190 reported the sighting, however, no radar contacts were visible.

In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were such that they were unable to determine the nature of the unknown object.

Applicable Contributory Factors: 7

Risk: The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where although safety had been reduced, there had been no risk of collision.

17 Feb 20

1832                                                                                    

B757

(CAT)

5348N 00134W

SE Leeds Bradford

2300ft

Leeds CTR

(D)

The B757 pilot reports that he was on final approach to RW32 at Leeds Bradford, it was dark and there was a 34kt crosswind and showers in the vicinity.  They were underneath a main cloud layer when it became apparent that there was an event taking place in Leeds city centre.  It was to the right of the aircraft as they made their approach and he could make out a Ferris wheel and lots of bright lights.  Focusing on monitoring the approach there appeared to be fireworks or bright flashing lights to his right where the event was taking place. He looked right and noticed a single red light hovering above the event, which he believed to be a drone.  It was hovering at an altitude of somewhere between 500ft and 1000ft.  He estimated that it was between 500-1000ft away from his aircraft.  On landing he reported the drone sighting to ATC.

Reported Separation: 500-1000ft H

In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were such that they were unable to determine the nature of the unknown object.

Applicable Contributory Factors: 8

Risk: The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where normal procedures and/or safety standards had applied.

23 Feb 20

1239

Q400

(CAT)

5321N 00156W

12nm E Manchester

5000ft

Daventry CTA

(D)

The Q400 pilot reports on first contacting Manchester, they were given information about a drone report from another pilot, in a different location.  A short time later a red metallic drone was sighted to the left and below the aircraft, on a reciprocal heading.  The sighting was over in a very short space of time and although it was very obvious all he could identify was that it was a red metallic drone, he couldn’t see any distinguishing features.

Reported Separation: 300ft V/ 150m H

Reported Risk of Collision: None

In the Board’s opinion the reported altitude and/or description of the object were such that they were unable to determine the nature of the unknown object.

Applicable Contributory Factors: 7

Risk: The Board considered that the pilot’s overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where although safety had been reduced, there had been no risk of collision.