Virgin Atlantic is calling for tougher regulation over the use of drones near airports after one of its jets was involved in what is thought to be the closest ever near-miss.
The Heathrow-bound B787-9 Dreamliner was descending above Clapham Common when the drone was seen passing just below its right wing.
A report by the UK Airprox Board said the drone avoided impact by just 10 feet. The Civil Aviation Authority said the incident is believed to be the closest a drone has ever come to striking a commericial aircraft in the UK.
The report said: "The drone was being flown beyond VLOS (visual line of sight) limits and on an airfield approach path such that it was endangering other aircraft at that altitude and position.
"The board agreed that the incident was therefore best described as the drone was flown into conflict with the B787."
The incident happened in June as the Virgin flight was returning to Heathrow from Delhi.
Virgin said: "It’s vital that action is taken to regulate the use of drones near airports and we urge the Government to consider further proposals."
