UK minister downplays Heathrow drone collision

UK police reported earlier this week that a passenger plane landing at Heathrow collided with a drone, but it turns out that it may have been a plastic bag.

Speaking with The Telegraph, UK transport minister Robert Goodwill revealed that there is speculation that the collision “may have even been a plastic bag or something.”

He explained that “It was the local police force that tweeted that they had a report of a drone striking an aircraft.” He added, “The early reports of a dent in the front of the plane were not confirmed — there was no actual damage to the plane.”

British Airways flight 727 was flying at 1,700 feet on approach to Heathrow airport when the incident occurred. The aircraft landed safely and on schedule before continuing on to its next destination.

Goodwill also said that there is no need to implement tighter security measures. "There are already existing laws in place that require the user of drones to maintain direct unaided visual contact with their vehicle and not to recklessly or negligently permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property,” he said.