It seemed it was only matter of time and now it has occurred: a commercial aircraft has struck a drone in the first confirmed incident.
The craft in question happened to be a King Air 100 (C-GJBV) that belongs to SkyJet, a charter operation based at Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City, Canada. The plane was carrying six passengers and two crew members to Quebec on Oct. 12.
The King Air was on final approach to the airport when it struck “a yellow drone approximately 16 inches by 4 inches” according to Transport Canada representatives. The collusion occurred between 1,500 and 1,700 feet on the left wing of the craft.
Marc Garneau, the Canadian Minister of Transport released a statement on Sunday noting the incident and expressing his relief that no tragedy occurred and that Transport Canada was closely monitoring the situation.
“I would like to remind drone operators that endangering the safety of an aircraft is extremely dangerous and a serious offence,” said Garneau.
The crew noticed the drone near the wing shortly before the strike happened. The drone was not recovered and the guilty party has not been identified. If apprehended, the drone operator could face fines up to $25,000 and/or prison according to Garneau.
1,500 feet is five times higher than what a drone is allowed to fly in Canada. Additionally, regulations prohibit recreational drone flight within 3.4 miles of an airport.