The incident took place on Monday 13 February as the Flybe pilot prepared to touch down at Southampton.
A device reportedly came within 100ft of the aircraft, but according to police neither the drone nor its operator have been located yet.
“We can confirm a drone incident was reported on February 13 by an aircraft inbound to the airport,” said a spokesperson for Southhampton airport.
“The relevant authorities were notified and police undertook an extensive search of the area in question but the drone and pilot were not located.
“There was no direct risk to the aircraft or passengers.”
The spokesperson confirmed that the incident is currently being investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
“Flying any kind of drone near an airport or in controlled airspace without the proper permission is dangerous and unacceptable,” said a spokesperson for National Air Traffic Services.
“People using drones should apply common sense and remember the same legal obligations apply to them as any other pilot.”
Meanwhile, in 2016, there were 69 – more than double the number that occurred the previous year.
It’s not surprising considering the growth of consumer drone sales. Twice as many drones were sold in 2016 as in the previous year, totalling 2.5 million.
“Drones can be great fun and we’re not surprised at their popularity over Christmas as people received them as presents,” BALPA flight safety specialist Steve Landells told Aerospace-technology.com.
“However, after a significant increase in near-misses last year, it seems not everyone who is flying them either know or care about the rules that are in place for good reason.”
