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Drone near Headcorn Aerodrome minutes after British Airways plane struck on approach to London

An investigation has been launched after a drone was reportedly spotted flying near a Kent airfield.

The pilot of a light aircraft reported the object at 1,500 feet near Headcorn Aerodrome, off Biddenden Road, at 1.15pm yesterday.

Minutes after, the pilot of a British Airways plane carrying 132 passengers reported a drone strike on approach to London Heathrow.

Headcorn Aerodrome
Headcorn Aerodrome

Tracking equipment shows the flight from Geneva travelled over parts of Kent as it descended towards the London airport.

Officers investigating the strike believe it took place in Richmond, near West London - but have been unable to confirm the exact location.

The flight landed safely and there was no reported damage to the aircraft.

A drone. Stock picture
A drone. Stock picture

A police spokesman said: “We received a call at 1.30pm reporting that a pilot had seen a drone flying near Headcorn Aerodrome around 15 minutes earlier.”

The sighting was reported to air traffic controllers who warned other pilots in the area.

Officers were unable to locate the pilot of the drone and it is not known where it was being flown from.

Headcorn Aerodrome wouldn't comment on the matter.

Inquiries are ongoing.

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