Shropshire Star

Safety concerns raised after drone hits commercial aircraft in Canada

The incident comes after it was reported a drone “put 130 lives at risk” near London Gatwick Airport over the summer.

Published
(John Stillwell/PA)

A drone has collided with a commercial aircraft as it was approaching to land at Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City.

There were six passengers and two crew on the aircraft and the drone connected with its wing, but fortunately it suffered only minor damage, allowing it to land safely.

It is the first time a drone has hit a commercial flight in Canada, and comes after its government announced it was illegal to fly recreational drones near airports earlier this year.

A Canadian flag
(Vaughn Ridley/Empics Sport)

“I would like to remind drone operators that endangering the safety of an aircraft is extremely dangerous and a serious offence.”

Violators of the regulations could face a fine of up to 25,000 Canadian dollars and even prison. Transport Canada said there have been 131 drone incidents which have been of aviation safety concern to date.

drone
(Ben Birchall/PA)

According to the UK Airprox Board, the flying gadget passed directly over the right wing of the Airbus A319 as it was preparing to land at the West Sussex airport in July.

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