RAF Chinook passenger saw 'flash of red' in report of near-miss with drone
The passenger of an RAF Chinook has reported a near collision with a drone, stating he saw a "flash of red" as it passed by.
The report was made by "an experienced aviator" during a debrief, with the Chinook returning to base.
The passenger was at the rear of the cabin and claimed he saw a "a quadcopter of 50cm-1m size passed 30ft below and 30ft to the left of the aircraft".
The aviator also reported seeing a "flash of red colouring", with the report about the incident on 3 May adding "it was not clear whether the drone was stationary or moving".
"No other member of the operating crew saw the [Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)," the report said.
"Heathrow Radar had made no mention of UAS ops."
It was reported the incident carried a high risk of collision, with it determined the "description of the object was sufficient to indicate that it could have been a drone".
It was also concluded, "the pilot's overall account of the incident portrayed a situation where providence had played a major part in the incident and/or a definite risk of collision had existed".
A statement from the RAF said: "The RAF regularly conducts essential flying training across the whole of the UK, drones operating in the vicinity of our aircraft can offer a significant threat to their safety and can be extremely challenging for our aircrew to spot and take avoiding action.
"We continue to encourage users to fly their assets responsibly and legally in accordance with CAA regulations."
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