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Police launched an investigation Sunday after a British Airways plane approaching London's Heathrow Airport was struck by what appeared to be a drone.
If confirmed, the incident could be the first of its kind involving a commercial airplane.
The incident happened around 1 p.m. local time while 132 passengers and five crew members were aboard the Airbus A320 flying from Geneva, BBC News reported.
A British Airways spokesman told the news station the flight landed safely. It was examined and cleared for its next voyage.
Aviation police said they were speaking with the plane's pilot, who reported “a drone flying very close to his aircraft,” Sunday afternoon.
“This is dangerous, it is also a crime,” police said.
No arrests were immediately announced.
In a statement released by Heathrow Airport, airport officials called for stronger regulation of drones.
“Anyone operating an unmanned aerial vehicle has an obligation to know the rules and ensure they are capable of operating it safely,” an airport spokesperson said. “Doing so in proximity to an airfield or aircraft is both illegal and clearly irresponsible.”
The British Airline Pilots Association on Sunday said it was "only a matter of time” before a collision would happen “given the huge numbers (of drones) being flown by amateurs who don't understand the risks and rules.”
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